DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 7: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 7, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James, Lakers Ripped By NBA Fans for Loss vs. Mavs with Luka Dončić, Kyrie Out

Andrew PetersJan 7, 2025

Even with no Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks had no issues with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

With their stars out, the Mavs torched the Lakers 118-97 to snap a five-game losing streak. P.J. Washington stepped up in Dončić and Irving's absence, posting 22 points and eight boards. Spencer Dinwiddie also had a big game against his former team with 19 points and Quentin Grimes had a productive 23-point night off the bench.

Lakers star Anthony Davis posted 21 points and 12 boards while LeBron James had a near-triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Though Los Angeles lost, James at least gave fans something to be excited about with this vintage gem:

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After the Lakers failed to beat the Mavs with no Dončić or Irving, fans trolled them on social media.

The Lakers dropped to 20-16 after the frustrating loss and they've now dropped back-to-back games. The Mavericks are looking to survive without Dončić and Irving, and they showed that they might just be able to keep things together until their stars are back with the win.