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'I Mean, It Sucks!' LeBron Lakers React To Shocking Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Fisher | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 9:11 AM ET

DALLAS - At the present time, the Dallas Mavericks do not have "it.''

Entering Tuesday's visit from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Mavs were reeling and playing without their two superstars in the injured tandem of Luke Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

So as far as the Golden State Warriors are concerned, Dallas is vulnerable.

And after watching LeBron James' guys here? The Lakers are vulnerable, too.

Dallas, last year's Western Conference champions, haver pedigree and they were at home. But they didn't have much else ... until the star-less Mavericks snapped a five-game losing streak by destroying the Lakers 118-97.

Before the game, Redick discussed why the Mavericks, regardless of who suits up, deserve respect as competitors and the reigning NBA Finals runner-up squad. With pride and Western Conference standings on the line, the Mavericks answered their critics by playing their best game of the season, considering the injuries.

But ... coming into the game, the Mavericks had a 1-12 record when Doncic and Irving don't play.

"I mean, it sucks,'' James said after the shocking loss. "Obviously.''

Dallas Jason Kidd continues to preach a next-man-up mantra and here his words finally paid dividends. They played with more focus and intensity than the visiting Lakers - Dallas led in bench points 50-25 and won the points-in-the-paint battle 52-40 - and they befuddled Lakers star Anthony Davis by challenging him inside and finishing with layups.

Who beat LeBron? Quentin Grimes led the game with 23 points off the bench, shooting 8 for 17 from the field and an efficient 6 for 11 mark from 3.

Wait. Who?

Meanwhile, Davis led the Lakers with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks while LeBron got 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Davis led the Lakers with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks.

Maybe the Lakers will be fine. Or maybe this sort of outing gives Golden State hope in the climb.

"We got another game in, (expletive), less than 48 hours," James said. "So, we can't really dwell on it too much. That's the name of the game of the NBA.''

The Mavericks' victory over the Lakers puts Dallas fifth in the Western Conference at 21-16. LA is in sixth place at 20-16. The Warriors are 18-18 and trying to chase.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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