Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks: Who Would Win If They Meet In 2025 Playoffs?

The 2025 NBA Playoffs could deliver a matchup for the ages: the Los Angeles Lakers retooled and rejuvenated with Luka Doncic alongside LeBron James, against the Dallas Mavericks, featuring a defensive anchor in Anthony Davis paired with the electric Kyrie Irving. If we are treated to this, it would represent the fallout of one of the most seismic trades in recent NBA history.

The midseason blockbuster that sent Luka to L.A. and Davis to Dallas redefined both franchises. The Lakers now possess one of the most dangerous playmaking duos ever assembled, while the Mavericks have built a formidable inside-out tandem. But who would come out on top in a playoff series if they met in the 2025 playoffs? Let’s break it down in each team’s factor.

Los Angeles Lakers

Starting Lineup: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes

Bench: Shake Milton, Gabe Vincent, Bronny James, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Christian Wood

Dallas Mavericks

Starting Lineup: Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II

Bench: Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaden Hardy, Max Christie, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, Daniel Gafford

Lakers vs. Mavericks: Starting Lineups

The Lakers’ starting lineup boasts a combination of offensive brilliance and versatility that gives them the edge. Luka Doncic and LeBron James are arguably the two most gifted playmakers in the NBA, after all. 

Doncic (averaging 28.1 points and 7.8 assists in 2024-25) thrives in the half-court with his ability to slow the game down, while LeBron’s all-around excellence (24.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 9.0 assists) continues to anchor any lineup he’s in. Austin Reaves provides secondary playmaking and shooting, hitting 36.4% from deep, while Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes bring size, physicality, and energy to round out the frontcourt.

In contrast, Dallas leans heavily on Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis to shoulder the offensive and defensive workload. Irving (24.1 points per game on 47.5% shooting) is one of the league’s most unstoppable scorers, and Davis (25.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks) remains a dominant force on both ends. 

However, their supporting cast of PJ Washington and second-year Dereck Lively II lacks the polish and playoff experience of their Lakers counterparts. Klay Thompson’s shooting (39.0% from three) adds spacing, but his defensive decline leaves him vulnerable against the Lakers’ dynamic wings.

The Lakers’ starting lineup also offers greater adaptability. LeBron and Luka’s ability to orchestrate the offense allows the Lakers to control the tempo and exploit mismatches, while the Mavericks’ lineup is heavily reliant on individual shot creation from Irving and Davis. 

Advantage: Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers vs. Mavericks: Bench

The Mavericks’ bench has a distinct advantage thanks to its balance of scoring and defensive versatility. Spencer Dinwiddie (10.3 points and 3.7 assists per game) brings playmaking and experience to run the second unit, while Jaden Hardy’s scoring punch gives Dallas an additional perimeter threat. 

Caleb Martin’s two-way ability (37.9% from three and strong on-ball defense) makes him a valuable utility player in tight playoff games. Daniel Gafford and Naji Marshall provide energy, rebounding, and defensive hustle, which will be critical in complementing the starters when Davis takes a breather.

The Lakers’ bench, while talented, lacks the same level of offensive firepower. Shake Milton and Gabe Vincent can contribute as spot-up shooters and secondary playmakers, but they don’t offer the same upside as Dinwiddie. Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt are defensive specialists, capable of switching onto multiple positions, but their offensive limitations could make it harder for the Lakers’ second unit to maintain scoring consistency. 

Dallas’s depth gives them more flexibility to manage minutes and stay competitive when the starters are off the court. Their bench is built to sustain leads and provide defensive intensity, while the Lakers’ rotation will rely heavily on LeBron or Luka to remain on the floor at all times. In a playoff series, this depth could allow the Mavericks to exploit the Lakers during crucial stretches when their stars need rest.

Advantage: Dallas Mavericks

Lakers vs. Mavericks Coaches: JJ Redick vs. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd’s experience as an NBA head coach gives him a decisive edge over first-year coach JJ Redick. Kidd has already demonstrated his ability to lead a team deep into the playoffs, guiding the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals last season.

His defensive schemes, especially the ability to maximize players like Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, will be critical in this matchup. Kidd’s understanding of game adjustments and his experience managing egos in a star-driven league make him better equipped to handle the pressures of a playoff series.

Meanwhile, JJ Redick brings fresh ideas and a modern approach to coaching, rooted in his years as an astute analyst and player. He’s shown promise in optimizing the Lakers’ offense around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, leaning on spacing and quick decision-making. 

However, as a rookie head coach, Redick lacks the real-time playoff experience that separates great coaches from good ones. Navigating the chess match of a seven-game series against a seasoned coach like Kidd could be an uphill battle.

Advantage: Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers Advantages

The Lakers’ primary advantage lies in their dynamic superstar duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Both players are basketball savants with unmatched IQs, capable of controlling the tempo and exploiting mismatches on any given possession. 

LeBron’s ability to play off the ball complements Luka’s elite playmaking, allowing the Lakers to maintain a relentless offense. Add in Austin Reaves, who has blossomed into a reliable scoring and secondary playmaking option, and the Lakers boast a perimeter core that can dictate games with their creativity and versatility.

Defensively, the Lakers have several tools to combat Dallas’ offense. Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura bring size, length, and versatility to cover the Mavericks’ perimeter scorers. With LeBron’s leadership and Luka’s clutch factor, Los Angeles enters the matchup with a potent mix of top-tier talent and defensive depth.

Dallas Mavericks Advantages

Dallas’ greatest strength is its ability to dominate on both ends of the floor with the pairing of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Davis’ elite two-way play gives the Mavericks a significant advantage in the paint, where his shot-blocking and rebounding will be critical against the Lakers. 

Offensively, Davis can exploit mismatches as a post scorer, pick-and-roll finisher, and mid-range shooter, while Kyrie’s scoring wizardry provides a nearly unguardable perimeter presence. This inside-out duo creates a balanced attack that will be hard for the Lakers to contain.

Additionally, the Mavericks’ supporting cast brings a mix of sharpshooting and defensive toughness that complements their stars. Klay Thompson remains one of the league’s most reliable floor spacers, ensuring defenders can’t collapse on Davis inside. 

On defense, players like PJ Washington and Dereck Lively II provide strong rim protection and versatility to contest shots, while the bench offers depth with Spencer Dinwiddie’s playmaking and Caleb Martin’s grit. This combination of firepower and defensive discipline makes Dallas a dangerous playoff opponent.

Who Would Win In The 2025 Playoffs If They Meet?

The potential Lakers-Mavericks matchup in the 2025 playoffs would be a thrilling chess match between two superstar-driven teams. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, have the edge in offensive creativity and versatility. 

Both LeBron and Luka excel at controlling the pace of the game and exploiting mismatches, which could make it difficult for Dallas to keep up, especially in half-court sets. The Lakers’ depth, featuring two-way contributors like Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt, bolsters their defense on the perimeter. However, their lack of elite rim protection could be a vulnerability, particularly against Anthony Davis. 

On the other side, the Mavericks’ pairing of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving provides an inside-out attack that’s arguably unmatched. Davis’ ability to dominate the paint, both offensively and defensively, could swing the series if he stays healthy. Meanwhile, Kyrie’s scoring brilliance and clutch shot-making would test the Lakers’ perimeter defense. 

With Klay Thompson spreading the floor and defensive contributors like PJ Washington and Dereck Lively II supporting, Dallas has the tools to counter the Lakers' strengths. Ultimately, the series would likely hinge on execution in crunch time, where the Luka-LeBron duo has the advantage in orchestrating plays, but Dallas’ defensive anchors could make just enough plays to even the scales.

The series would likely go the distance, with both teams showcasing their strengths and superstars trading highlight-worthy moments. However, LeBron and Luka’s ability to consistently create high-quality shots and the Lakers' superior bench depth give them the edge in a seven-game series. Lakers in 7—but this would be a battle for the ages.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks 4-3