Preview: Mavericks at Lakers, Thursday, February 12, 2026 LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Lakers look to solidify their playoff positioning and complete a season sweep when they host the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers (32-20) enter having won three of their last four, including a 116-110 victory in Dallas on Jan. 24 in the teams’ most recent meeting. LeBron James, who turns 41 in December, continues to defy time, averaging 20.0 points and 8.1 assists over his last 10 games. In the Jan. 24 win over the Mavericks, he posted 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Los Angeles is coming off a 119-110 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, despite 22 points and 10 assists from James. The Mavericks (19-33) have lost five straight and eight of their last 10, plunging toward the bottom of the Western Conference. Their most recent outing was a 138-125 defeat in San Antonio on Feb. 7. Forward-center Marvin Bagley III provided a bright spot in that loss with 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in 24 minutes off the bench. Bagley will be a key figure for Dallas, which has struggled defensively during its skid. The Mavericks have allowed an average of 124.2 points over their last five games. The Lakers have dominated the recent series, winning both matchups this season and seven of the last 10 overall. Dallas last won in Los Angeles on Nov. 28, 2025, falling 129-119. For the Lakers, maintaining focus against a sub-.500 opponent is critical as they navigate a tough upcoming schedule that features games against the Clippers, Celtics and a road back-to-back at Phoenix and Golden State after Thursday’s contest. Dallas begins a three-game road trip with this game before the All-Star break. Following the break, they face a daunting stretch with 10 of their next 12 games on the road. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.