Dallas Mavericks: Anticipating the 3 biggest rivals of the 2021-22 season

Dallas Mavericks biggest rival of 2021-2022 season: 2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Mavs and Lakers finished with identical records last season, but it was Los Angeles that slipped into the play-in tournament after LA endured significant stretches playing without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They are hoping a remade roster coupled with better health has them competing for the number one seed in the West this year.

How hard with LeBron push it during the regular season as he turns 37? He has missed significant time two of the last three years, and the Lakers could wind up just looking to avoid the play-in and taking their chances against any opponent in the first round of the playoffs.

The addition of Russell Westbrook gives the Lakers three superstars, but how will their roster fit together? Only James, Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker return from last year’s squad. It could also be a slow start as Los Angeles searches for chemistry and cohesion.

Do not be surprised to see the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers battling for position late in the season. The two teams square off on March 29 in Dallas. The Mavs have just six games left after that contest and a lot could be riding on that game, plus fans know there is always a bit of extra heat when Luka Doncic faces off against LeBron.