Flagg scores 45 as Mavs hand injury-plagued Lakers second straight loss

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Flagg scores 45 as Mavs hand injury-plagued Lakers second straight loss image

Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

With reports from Joel Reyes and Rafael Bandayrel

The Dallas Mavericks finally snapped their three-game losing streak, recording a 134-128 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday (PH time) at American Airlines Center. Cooper Flagg scored a game-high 45 points for the Mavs, who handed the injury-stricken Lakers their second straight loss.

Dallas created separation in the third quarter, pushing the lead to double digits.

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Flagg wreaked havoc against the Lakers’ defense, shooting 14-of-27 from the field and 15-of-17 from the free-throw line. He also came close to recording a triple-double, issuing 9 assists and grabbing 8 rebounds in 39 minutes of action.

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LeBron James also had a monster game for the Lakers, racking up 30 points, 15 assists, and 9 rebounds. Luke Kennard posted a triple-double in a losing effort, amassing 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

The Lakers refused to fold, with LeBron James leading a spirited comeback to trim the deficit to six with 1:59 remaining. With Los Angeles threatening, Marvin Bagley III and Cooper Flagg delivered timely baskets to help the Mavericks maintain control.

It was a costly defeat for the Lakers, who dropped into a tie for fourth place with the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference standings. They share similar 50-28 records heading into the final week of the regular season.

The Lakers won’t have star players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves during that stretch run after they suffered injuries in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With the win, Dallas improved to 25-53 and will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

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