Los Angeles Lakers

C'mon Mavs, Dunk Those Lakers

The Mavericks Finally Fought Back, and They Have the Title to Prove It

Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs shed labels and the Miami Heat on the way to their first NBA championship.

Whitt's End: 6.10.11

​Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *In 31 years of basketball, the Dallas Mavericks have won a combined (regular season and playoffs) 1,349 games. One more in Miami either Sunday or Tuesday and they are NBA Champions. *Histor ... More >>

The Top 10 Wins in the History of Your Dallas Mavericks

​With any luck we'll be re-writing this list in the coming week. But for now, last night's pulsating win at American Airlines Center certainly is among the best in Dallas Mavericks franchise history: 10.  6.2.88 -- Mavs 105, Lakers 103: Led by Sixth Man of the Year Roy Tarpley's 20-point ... More >>

Mavs in the West Finals: We've Done This Before

​The Mavericks haven't lost an NBA Western Conference Finals series in five years. Of course we all know what happened Dallas advanced this far -- in the 2006 NBA Finals. The come-from-ahead loss to the Heat sent the franchise into a pyschological spiral from which it is just n ... More >>

Beat L.A.? The Mavs Might Replace Them on the Mountaintop.

Sharp shooting and shoddy predictions on the Mavs' road to the NBA Finals.

Mavs-Lakers: Looking Back at a Great Series ... and a Horrible Prediction

​Never been happier to be wrong. And I don't care that I wasn't alone -- I admit I was wrong. I'm stunned by the Mavs sweeping the Lakers, punctuated by Sunday's 122-86 epic shellacking. Matter of fact, I'm more surprised by this outcome than the Navy SEALs sweeping Osama. I gave currency to&n ... More >>

Whitt's End: 5.6.11

Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End:*Mavericks-Lakers and Rangers-Yankees in our town in the same weekend. Delicious. If you had a front-row ticket to just one, which would it be? Are there really semi-sane humans who'd choose ... More >>

2011 NBA WEST SEMIS GAME 2 -- Mavs 93, Lakers 81: My Top 10 Observer-ations

​10. For the Mavs, a shocking 2-0 lead. For the Lakers, a Stinko de Mayo. L.A. missed its first 15 3-pointers and was booed off the court in Staples Center. As they head for Dallas and Friday night's Game 3, the Lakers are muttering things like "dispirited" and "trust issues." Surreal. 9 ... More >>

Mavs-Lakers Game 2 Preview From the Puerto Rican Point Guard and the Old Coach

​I asked Mavericks backup point guard J.J. Barea what he was thinking as the ball left Kobe Bryant's hand on the potential game-winning 3-pointer in Monday's Game 1 at Staples Center. "I wasn't thinking," Barea said. "I was praying." Despite playing 44 minutes of superb basketball -- the ... More >>

Mavs-Lakers Preview: Lakers in 5

Some of us have waited 23 years to "Beat L.A.!" Sorry, I don't see it happening in 2011 either. When the Lakers and Mavs begin their best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinal series tonight at 9:30 in Staples Center, there is an undeniable fact that overrides any and all X's and O's: The two ... More >>

Dallas Mavericks' Playoff Position in Major Limbo After the Sorry-Ass Spurs Punk 'Em

​Dear San Antonio Spurs,Eff you.Sincerely,Dallas Mavericks With a chance to beat the reeling Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night and go a long way toward securing the No. 2 seed in the NBA's Western Conference Playoffs for the Mavericks, the Spurs decided to rest stars Tony Parker, Manu Gino ... More >>

Crafty Mavericks Lose Again, on Verge of Avoiding Lakers in NBA Playoffs

A playoff preview? ​Remember waaaay back when the Mavericks were salivating over somehow catching the Spurs for the best record in the NBA's Western Conference and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs? Don't look now, but after last night's home loss, the goal is to somehow hold onto ... More >>

With Three Consecutive Losses, Dallas Mavericks Going Nowhere Fast

​And over here -- in the opposite corner from your red-hot Texas Rangers -- sit your Dallas Mavericks. Bruised. Bloodied. Slump-shouldered. Ready for the NBA Playoffs? At a time when they should peaking, the Mavs are pratfalling. After winning the first three games on their western road tri ... More >>

Mavericks v. Lakers: Who's No. 2?

If the Mavs don't win tonight, at least J.J. Barea's got this to look forward to.​The Dallas Mavericks say tonight's showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers isn't a statement game. The Dallas Mavericks are lying. Beating the Timberwolves, Warriors, Jazz, Suns and -- last night -- the Clippe ... More >>

Dallas Mavericks in L.A.: Tonight the Salad; Tomorrow the Steak

If only that guy on the left was still a part of this team ​Over the past decade the Dallas Mavericks have been the NBA's best team at winning games they were supposed to win. In building a legacy of 11 consecutive seasons with 50 wins and playoff appearances, the Mavericks rarely lose aga ... More >>

Mavs Are the S-Word. Rinse and Repeat.

​While I was out last week the Dallas Mavericks blew a seven-point lead in the final minute in a flabbergasting loss in New Orleans. Afterward, head coach Rick Carlisle called his team "soft." Veteran shooting guard Jason Terry bristled at the suggestion, saying "I'm not soft, not me. I don't ... More >>

The Dallas Mavericks are teasing us again with hopes of a championship run.

​While I was out last week the Dallas Mavericks blew a seven-point lead in the final minute in a flabbergasting loss in New Orleans. Afterward, head coach Rick Carlisle called his team "soft." Veteran shooting guard Jason Terry bristled at the suggestion, saying "I'm not soft, not me. I don't ... More >>

A Good Dirking

​While I was out last week the Dallas Mavericks blew a seven-point lead in the final minute in a flabbergasting loss in New Orleans. Afterward, head coach Rick Carlisle called his team "soft." Veteran shooting guard Jason Terry bristled at the suggestion, saying "I'm not soft, not me. I don't ... More >>

In Light of Bissinger vs. Cuban, I Present the NBA's All-White Team

​Buzz Bissinger is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. His Friday Night Lights captured high-school football in Texas, spawned a network TV series and afforded him writing immortality. Buzz Bissinger is also an idiot. At least when it comes to the NBA. His "White Men Can't Root" column for ... More >>

Mavs Win; Jason Kidd Scores; Jason Terry Gets Carried Away

​Landmark win by your Dallas Mavericks last night at American Airlines Center, 109-100, over the Los Angeles Lakers? Maybe. But, eh, probably not. Most important, it broke a six-game losing streak. But it also lets them boast this achievement: Wins this season over the Spurs, Celtics, H ... More >>

The Los Angeles Boy-Toys

​Landmark win by your Dallas Mavericks last night at American Airlines Center, 109-100, over the Los Angeles Lakers? Maybe. But, eh, probably not. Most important, it broke a six-game losing streak. But it also lets them boast this achievement: Wins this season over the Spurs, Celtics, H ... More >>

Ten Items Worth a Look-See: Mavs, Stars, Cowboys, Rangers and Fox News Pundit Says Michael Vick "Should Have Been Executed"

The fans gave him a break, and even President Obama applauded Vick's return to the NFL. Tucker Carlson of Fox News? Not so much.​10. Mark Teixeira says teammate Andy Pettitte's "probably leaning toward retirement," which is good news for the Texas Rangers and everyone else aiming to win the AL pen ... More >>

Keeping the Faith: Lakers in 7

​The Boston Celtics have the lead. But the Los Angeles Lakers have the advantage. Right? Boston needs just win one - tonight in Game 6 or in a Game 7 Thursday night - to clinch its record 18th NBA Championship. They won't get it. As I said before the series, Lakers in 7. How's that you a ... More >>

The Top 10 Best Character Names in Sports Movies That I Could Think of Off the Top of My Head

Jesus saves. And shoots.​Why did the Los Angeles Lakers lose Game 2 of the NBA Finals Sunday night? Because they turned their back on Jesus. Boston Celtics' guard Ray Allen - who played "Jesus Shuttlesworth" in Spike Lee's He Got Game - went off on L.A. He hit a Finals-record eight 3-pointe ... More >>

Whitt's End: 6.4.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Thing that jumped out at me about Thursday night's Game 1 of the NBA Finals was how physical it was. The scrapping for loose balls. The intensity of picks. Just running through the lane witho ... More >>

Lakers Over Celtics: My Top 10 Observations

​10. With a combined 32 championships, isn't this the all-time greatest rivalry in sports? Thought so.  9. Kobe Bryant may be one of the greatest players of all time, but don't be shocked if Boston point guard Rajon Rondo is the best player on the court. 8. The Dallas Mavericks ... More >>

Mavs Star Dirk Nowitzki Will Never Change Some Minds Until He Changes The Color Of His Skin

​10. With a combined 32 championships, isn't this the all-time greatest rivalry in sports? Thought so.  9. Kobe Bryant may be one of the greatest players of all time, but don't be shocked if Boston point guard Rajon Rondo is the best player on the court. 8. The Dallas Mavericks ... More >>

Ballers and Shotcallers: Zo & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge

Mattie StaffordAlonzo Mourning lines up a shot. For a whole slideshow from this event, click here.​Zo & Magic's 8-Ball ChallengeCentennial Building in Fair ParkThe red carpet walks kicked off at 7.30 p.m., with Mourning's appearance leading the way. Early attendees were held in a "reception ar ... More >>

Let's Go, Mavs

Mattie StaffordAlonzo Mourning lines up a shot. For a whole slideshow from this event, click here.​Zo & Magic's 8-Ball ChallengeCentennial Building in Fair ParkThe red carpet walks kicked off at 7.30 p.m., with Mourning's appearance leading the way. Early attendees were held in a "reception ar ... More >>

Drowned Out By Grandiose Doings in Arlington, the Dallas Mavericks Begin What Should Be a Loud, Proud Season

Mattie StaffordAlonzo Mourning lines up a shot. For a whole slideshow from this event, click here.​Zo & Magic's 8-Ball ChallengeCentennial Building in Fair ParkThe red carpet walks kicked off at 7.30 p.m., with Mourning's appearance leading the way. Early attendees were held in a "reception ar ... More >>

Mavs Sweep L.A. Raise Your Hand If You Saw This One Coming.

Maybe the sweet new baby blues are lucky?​After attending last Tuesday's sluggish opener at American Airlines Center, I didn't exactly think the Dallas Mavericks were a hideous outfit that would miss the playoffs. But I certainly didn't see them beating the Los Angeles Lakers. Maybe: 1) The ... More >>

D.J. Mbenga 1, Dirk Nowitzki 0

Watching the Lakers party in Orlando last night - I was wrong about L.A. in 4, but just barely -was a reminder how cruel sports can be. While former Mavericks D.J. Mbenga and Josh Powell hugged and kissed the NBA's Larry O'Brien championship trophy, current Maverick Dirk Nowitzki is l ... More >>

NBA Finals: Lakers in 4

So DJ Mbenga and Josh Powell will have a ring but Dirk Nowitzki won't. Yeah, that seems fair.The only drama: When his Orlando Magic are dismantled by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, will Dwight Howard shake hands or pull a LeBrat James? We all wanted Kobe vs. LeBron. Instead, s ... More >>

Relax Mavs Fans, Dallas' First-Round Loss Won't Be to the Lakers

The Mavs have successfully avoided the noid, better known as Kobe Bryant.While you were sleeping, the Dallas Mavericks officially succeeded in their lil' game of Avoid The Noid. Thanks to the Lakers' blowout of the Utah Jazz late last night, the Mavs won't open this weekend's NBA Pl ... More >>

How the Dallas Mavericks Can Avoid the Lakers

Not saying Dirk and the Mavs are sitting pretty. But they have a chance.About a month ago in this cover story Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told me his team didn't fear a first-round NBA Playoff matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. "The Lakers don't intimidate us at all," Cuban maintains ... More >>

The Maddening Mavericks

Danny Bollinger The forgotten one?I give up. I admit, I expected the Dallas Mavericks to lose at Phoenix, lose at Portland, beat Golden State and get blown out by the Lakers. I went 0-4. In typically unpredictable, unsettling fashion, they went 2-2. I'll go on Channel 52 tonight at 6:30 - fi ... More >>

Dear Cynical Mavericks Fans: Ya Nevuh Know.

Danny Bollinger What if he stays hot for four months? Could happen.Look, I can be as jaded as anyone. Cynical. Smartassy. Surly. Down right skeptical. Especially - in case you haven't been paying attention - when it comes to the Dallas Mavericks. But tonight's last night's 93-89 victory in P ... More >>

A Ranking You’ll Find Hard to Believe

Danny Bollinger What if he stays hot for four months? Could happen.Look, I can be as jaded as anyone. Cynical. Smartassy. Surly. Down right skeptical. Especially - in case you haven't been paying attention - when it comes to the Dallas Mavericks. But tonight's last night's 93-89 victory in P ... More >>

See, I Just Knew Dwyane Wade Wasn’t That Good

Danny Bollinger What if he stays hot for four months? Could happen.Look, I can be as jaded as anyone. Cynical. Smartassy. Surly. Down right skeptical. Especially - in case you haven't been paying attention - when it comes to the Dallas Mavericks. But tonight's last night's 93-89 victory in P ... More >>

Your Dallas Mavericks Were Almost Playing in Tonight’s NBA Finals

Danny Bollinger What if he stays hot for four months? Could happen.Look, I can be as jaded as anyone. Cynical. Smartassy. Surly. Down right skeptical. Especially - in case you haven't been paying attention - when it comes to the Dallas Mavericks. But tonight's last night's 93-89 victory in P ... More >>

Ambassador Class

Marques Haynes should be wealthy and celebrated. He was always content just to be the best.

Crushing Climax

Marques Haynes should be wealthy and celebrated. He was always content just to be the best.

Lookin' for Space in All the Right Spaces

Marques Haynes should be wealthy and celebrated. He was always content just to be the best.

Miami Hot Under the Collar

Marques Haynes should be wealthy and celebrated. He was always content just to be the best.

Best Rumor That Got Us All Worked Up Over Nothing

Shaq to come to the Dallas Mavericks

Love Shaq

We'll trade ya!

New Tricks

Magic Johnson has gone from basketball star to business success

Back to the Future

For Dirk, Don and the Mavs to compete with the Lakers, they'll have to look to an unlikely source for inspiration: the late-'80s teams of Mark Aguirre and Dick Motta

Rebound

When Mark Aguirre left the Dallas Mavericks a decade ago, he became the fall guy for the team's decline. Now he's back, dealing with his ghosts and trying to help the franchise regain its former glory.