The Lakers are on the road, so you know what that means.
Another Lakers loss? It sure is plausible considering their 5-11 road record. But the Lakers (19-13) have other reasons to view Wednesday's game ata Dallas with added importance.
This is the first time the Lakers play the Mavericks at American Airlines Center since falling to Dallas in a four-game sweep in the 2011 Western Conference semifinals. The Lakers held an informal players-only meeting after the Lakers' 103-92 victory Monday over the Portland Trail Blazers after a pretty eventful week. Kobe Bryant publicly stewed at the front office. Pau Gasol remains worried the Lakers will trade him before the March 15 deadline. And players feel frustrated over Mike Brown's lengthy practices and shootarounds.
Tonight's game will provide a sure sign whether they can truly put those issues behind them. But there's another sign of disappointment. Mavericks forward Lamar Odom won't play because he's in Los Angeles regarding a family-related issue.
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--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
