'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The LA Lakers are set to face off against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Regular Season, during the Christmas Day games. This game is the pick of the many exciting fixtures that will be played on the 25th of December this year.
These two franchises possess some of the best players in the NBA right now. With so many incredible individuals to pick from, who would make a combined starting five of the LA Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks?
LA Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction: Combined starting 5
For this lineup, we will be picking the best players from the Dallas Mavericks and LA Lakers at certain positions based on skill alone. Chemistry and compatibility will play little to no part in this list.
Point Guard - LeBron James (LA Lakers)
LeBron James is not only the best player in the NBA right now, but is also arguably the greatest of all time.
The 35-year-old's passing IQ and floor general abilities are the best in the league. His scoring remains elite, despite the incredible mileage on his body. Couple that with the fact that his defensive ability is still incredible and this choice is a no-brainer.
Shooting Guard - Tim Hardaway Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
Tim Hardaway Jr. was a terrific secondary option for the Dallas Mavericks last season and consistently delivered against some of the toughest oppositions in the NBA.
The 28-year-old is a very good secondary playmaker who can create his own shot while setting up teammates as well. His outside shooting is efficient, as is his finishing around the rim.
While the LA Lakers' Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's improvement last season is undeniable, Hardaway's playmaking gives him the edge.
Small Forward - Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
In just his third NBA season, Luka Doncic is already one of the best in the league and has adapted to the league quickly.
The 21-year-old is a gifted passer who makes plays for his teammates out of thin air. He isn't the best shooter from behind the arc but has taken all the clutch shots for his team and made a few of them. He also hit the memorable game-winning buzzer-beater against the LA Clippers in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
Power Forward - Anthony Davis (LA Lakers)
Anthony Davis is one of the best players in the NBA and is arguably the best power forward in the league.
The 27-year-old is an incredible presence inside the paint with rebounding and scoring in the post. His outside shot has also improved with every season and Davis can now stretch the floor as well.
The Dallas Mavericks don't have a healthy player who can compete with Anthony Davis at the 4. The LA Lakers superstar claims his place as the small forward in this lineup.
Center - Marc Gasol (LA Lakers)
Operating at center in this combined starting five of the LA Lakers and Dallas Mavericks is 35-year-old Marc Gasol.
The Spaniard has never been among the quickest of players, but his positional awareness and intelligence make him a valuable asset. Additionally, he is also a capable shooter from behind the arc, which allows him to stretch the floor for his team.
While Dwight Powell is an excellent center in his own right, Marc Gasol's defensive awareness and passing see him come out on top in this matchup.
Guess the Lakers players!
