Lakers Host Slumping Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena Before All-Star Break
LOS ANGELES, February 12, 2026 – The Los Angeles Lakers (32-21) look to capitalize on their home-court advantage tonight as they face a struggling Dallas Mavericks (19-34) squad. While the Lakers aim to solidify their playoff positioning under head coach JJ Redick, the Mavericks enter the contest desperate to snap an eight-game losing streak.
Game Preview: Injury Woes and Key Matchups
Tonight’s matchup is heavily influenced by significant absences on both sides. In a notable roster shift for the 2025-26 season, Luka Dončić—now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers—has been ruled out for tonight’s game against his former team due to injury. The Lakers will rely on Austin Reaves, who has averaged 25.7 points as a primary initiator in Dončić’s absence, alongside LeBron James.
The Mavericks are also shorthanded, missing standout rookie Cooper Flagg, who leads the team with 20.4 points per game. Dallas is coming off a 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, where Naji Marshall led the team with 31 points. The Mavericks’ defense has struggled recently, giving up an average of 117.3 points per game, ranking them among the bottom ten in the league for scoring defense.
Recent Head-to-Head Performance
The Lakers have dominated the season series so far, holding a 2-0 record against Dallas in 2025-26. Their most recent encounter on January 24, 2026, resulted in a 116-110 victory for Los Angeles. Earlier in the season, on November 28, 2025, the Lakers secured a 129-119 win behind a 38-point performance from Austin Reaves.
Key Facts
| Stat Category | Los Angeles Lakers | Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Head-to-Head Wins | 121 | 58 |
| Total Regular Season Games Played | 179 | 179 |
| 2025-26 Regular Season Record | 32-21 | 19-34 |
| Home Win Percentage (All-Time) | 56.8% | 53.8% |
| Away Win Percentage (All-Time) | 46.2% | 43.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Lakers vs. Mavericks game tonight?
The game is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM local time (PT) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Is Luka Dončić playing tonight?
No. Luka Dončić, who now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been ruled out for the February 12 game against the Mavericks. Reports indicate the Lakers lose a significant production of 32.8 points and 8.6 assists per game with him sidelined.
Who is leading the Mavericks in scoring this season?
Rookie Cooper Flagg is the leading scorer for Dallas, averaging 20.4 points per game. However, he is inactive for tonight’s contest.
What is the current betting outlook for the game?
Experts project a Lakers victory with a predicted score of approximately 119-113. The Lakers have been particularly strong at home, covering the spread in 14 of their last 16 games against teams with bottom-tier scoring defenses.
When do these teams play again?
The Lakers and Mavericks are scheduled to meet again on April 5, 2026, in Dallas.