Lakers News: Starting Fives Determined For Dallas-LA Battle Tonight

LA meets a new-look Mavs team for the first time this season!

The starting lineups for both your Los Angeles Lakers and the dreaded Dallas Mavericks have been unveiled ahead of tonight's matchup, slated for 7:30 p.m. PT. 

For Los Angeles, only one player will be subbed into the team's standard starting five. Second-year, fringe-rotation shooting guard Max Christie ascends from being out of the rotation as a healthy scratch all the way to the club's starting two-guard spot, leapfrogging Austin Reaves to get there. He'll join D'Angelo Russell in the backcourt. 

Forwards Taurean Prince and LeBron James will be joined by center Anthony Davis in the club's frontcourt.

Tonight's starters@ToyotaSoCal | #SuitingUpTogether pic.twitter.com/K65RApYCiu

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 23, 2023

The Dallas Mavericks, meanwhile, will start All-Star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in their own backcourt, and a triumvirate of new additions up front, in ex-Chicago Bulls small forward Derrick Jones Jr., ex-Boston Celtics power forward Grant Williams, and ex-Duke Blue Devils rookie center Dereck Lively II.

Tonight’s starters ⤵️@ModeloUSA // #MarkOfAFighter pic.twitter.com/nPy08BGn9a

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 23, 2023

Dallas is a -3 favorite to win on the road tonight. Will LA take those odds lying down?

I think Los Angeles might have its work cut out for it tonight, given Dallas’ significant rest advantage (the Mavs last played on Sunday, the Lakers blew the doors off the Utah Jazz yesterday) and its massive three-point shooting edge. The Lakers have a much bigger and more experienced front line, even with Jarred Vanderbilt on the shelf, so that in combination with the clutch bucket-getting of LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be what takes them over the top tonight.

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!