LOS ANGELES — Dallas showed signs of progress with Anthony Davis back in the lineup, but a late scoring drought cost the Mavericks in a 129–119 loss to the Lakers on Friday.
Luka Dončić led Dallas with 35 points and 11 assists, P.J. Washington added 22, and rookie Cooper Flagg delivered another strong all-around outing. Davis, in his first game back in L.A. since the trade, finished with 13 points in limited minutes.
The Mavs held a slim lead in the fourth before going cold, allowing the Lakers — sparked by Austin Reaves’ 38 points — to take control and hand Dallas its fifth loss in six games.
Up next: Mavs face the Clippers on Saturday.
