LeBron James-Less Lakers Drop to 11 in West Standings After Ugly Loss to Mavs, Now out of Play-in Picture

The Los Angeles Lakers are now on the outside of the postseason picture after falling to No. 11 in the Western Conference as the Mavs completely dominated Tuesday's game for a 128-110 victory.

The Dallas Mavericks made sure there would be no scrappy underdog fight by bombarding the Lakers from range, in the paint, defensively, offensively, on special teams, on set pieces, electronically, and in the metaverse.

It was a thorough beatdown that the Lakers' fake comeback barely managed to cut the deficit to 18 points. Russell Westbrook had 25 points, and Malik Monk had 28 points on the night, shooting a combined 19-33 from the field. But the obvious problem was not one of scoring but a defensive and effort issue.

The 82-point first half scored by the Mavs was the most allowed in a half in franchise history since the team transferred to Los Angeles.

However, the blown lead against the Pelicans and LeBron James's injury in that game has seemingly pushed the Lakers over the edge and back into the low-effort, care-free basketball, Silver Screen and Roll reported.

Lakers' LeBron James Ruled out Tuesday vs. Mavs

LeBron James has spent this season carrying the Lakers on his shoulders, and with only weeks remaining, the weight of that responsibility is now starting to take its toll on the four-time MVP, according to CBS Sports.

James has been out of action for a few games, and an ankle injury is the latest ailment to strike the aging superstar.

According to coach Frank Vogel, James spent Monday's practice having treatment for swelling in his left ankle and was initially labeled as doubtful for the Mavs game.

Shortly before the scheduled opening kick, Vogel confirmed that James and Anthony Davis, who has been out for the past six weeks with a mid-foot sprain, would miss their matchup.

While Vogel did not give any timeline for James' return, he noted that his injury was "the latest and maybe biggest blow to our psyche."

On Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, James stepped on the foot of Jaxson Hayes. James' ankle twisted as a result, and team staffers checked him out right away.

He battled through the discomfort and stayed in the game, eventually scoring 39 points to help his team, but it was not enough.

The Pelicans won 116-108 over the Lakers, and LeBron James now deals with the consequences of playing through his injuries.

Los Angeles Lakers Tie With Spurs in Standings

The Los Angeles Lakers are one spot below the play-in line, tied in the loss column with the San Antonio Spurs, who are almost certain to win their tiebreaker under their superior conference record.

The Lakers are desperate to get their stars back with only seven games remaining, and there appears to be some good news on that front.

Chris Haynes reported on the TNT broadcast of the Lakers-Mavericks game that Anthony Davis is targeting his return on Friday night when the Lakers host the Pelicans.

The bad news is Haynes also reported that LeBron James is anticipated to miss Thursday against the Jazz, and Kendrick Nunn is expected to be shelved for the remainder of the season.

For the time being, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without both of their stars for at least one more game, and these are basically must-win games.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: LAKERS at MAVERICKS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | March 29, 2022 - From NBA