3 Teams Mavericks should want to face in next year’s playoffs

2. The Los Angeles Lakers

Another team Dallas could play well against in the playoffs is the Lakers. The Lebron James-led team improved their roster this offseason by adding players Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, and Taurean Prince.

However, there is one problem: James is 38, while Anthony Davis is just an injury away from missing some time. It's unclear how much more James can continue playing at a high level.

Last season, Dallas owned the head-to-head record against LA. The Mavs beat the Lakers in three of the team's four games. Two of Dallas' victories were decided by four points or less.

In their last appearance, the Mavs beat the Lakers by a point. Both squads were without their best player, as James and Doncic sat out the game. Irving led the with 38 points, as he knocked in five 3-pointers.

In Dallas' one loss to the Lakers, the team struggled to find help beyond anyone not named Doncic or Irving. With new additions to the team, Dallas may have the upper hand. The rookie Lively comes in at 7-foot-1. Two inches taller than Davis.

Other improvements include having someone like Williams to guard James. If the Mavs do make the playoffs, the Lakers are one team they should have their eyes on.