The Dallas Mavericks (19-34) will try to end their eight-game losing skid on Thursday at 9 p.m. as they play the Los Angeles Lakers (32-21) at Crypto.com Arena. The game, both teams’ last before the All-Star break,

Stephen A. Smith recently criticized the Los Angeles Lakers for their disrespectful decision during the game against the Spurs.

The Lakers return home looking to stabilize their position in the Western Conference playoff race, while the Spurs continue navigating a developmental season centered around Victor Wembanyama’s growth.

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas enters the matchup with Los Angeles after losing eight in a row. The Lakers are 21-14 in Western Conference games. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.5 points per game in the paint led by Deandre Ayton averaging 11.6.

Will Luka Doncic be able to play against his former team on Thursday?

The Oklahoma City Thunder (40-13) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (32-19) Monday. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, is at 10 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Thunder vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić will miss his fourth straight game on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks due to a hamstring strain, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

NBA insiders link the Los Angeles Lakers to two “gettable” free agents as the Luka Dončić era begins in the offseason.