Luka Doncic's Shock Factor for LAL Dissipating? Dallas Mavs Getting Playoff Bid Boost From AD
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 31 Mar 2025
It seems that the shock impact of Luka Doncic joining Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers is starting to dissipate as the Lakers have been hit by string of losses lately.
On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks breathed new life to their bid for playoff run through the play-in round with Anthony Davis getting back to action despite lingering concerns about his well being from both the fans and the management.
With James and Doncic playing together, the Lakers suffered quite unexpected losses recently, particularly to Eastern Conference play-in contender the Chicago Bulls which swept their season series with a shocking 119-117 win in Los Angeles after a runaway 146-115 victory in Chicago. The Lakers likewise lost to the Orlando Magic in Florida with the two seeing action.
The Lakers bounced back the other day with a win over Memphis Grizzlies to put themselves a-right-- somewhat-- entering the final few games of the season.
But Los Angeles could thank their lucky stars--- and also their former star big man Anthony Davis or AD that it has banked so much wins that keeps it in contention for the top four in the West.
Speaking of AD, though playing in limited minutes, the talented big man-- his presence-- has shored up a Mavericks team that a few days ago pundits, even insiders, are ready to consign as an also-run squad which it was before its surprising rise last season.
Dallas has won four of its last five games including three of four on the road with Davis seeing minutes and contributing in the generally winning effort for the Mavs despite his limited playing time.
Due to the fact Derrick Lively III and Daniel Gafford continued to be missed on account of injuries, Davis has also been constrained to play alternatively as center and power forward. This has raised concerns that he might not allow his full recovery from injury or worst, exposed himself to risk of re-injuring himself.
Davis understands such concerns and therefore he willingly accepts the limited time he has been given inside the court.
Due to this, PJ Washington who has been re-activated almost simultaneously with Davis also understands he has to support Davis in tending the board. So does Max Christie, another big man who came to Dallas from Los Angeles together with Davis.
Presently, with their recent performance, the Mavericks have risen to 9th place consigning Sacramento to 10th while staving off the threat of Phoenix which days before looks very real and ominous.
But the battle for the last two play-in spots is still very much in play.
Mavs coach Jason Kidd needs all his bench management acumen to navigate Dallas into the play-in and hopefully the playoffs with Anthony Davis healthy and productive as much as he can keep himself.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
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