NBA: Lakers Number 13 - A Lucky Win

The Lakers are 13-1, but could have just as easily been 12-2. The Dallas Mavericks, who like the Lakers came into the game on a five-game winning streak, led for most of the game.

Even though the Mavericks were without Josh Howard, they got a huge boost from an unexpected source, reserve point guard, Jose Juan Barea.

It was Barea, whose 10 points and nine assists kept the Mavericks out in front, while Jason Kidd was getting a breather. Kidd, himself, had a decent night with 12 points and 11 assists.

The two point guards kept the Lakers defense off-balance for nearly three quarters with their dribble penetration.

It was the same problem the Lakers have had to deal with in the past few games. Seemingly, they had sealed up the middle during the second half of their 27-point win against New Jersey on Tuesday.

But Kidd and Barea found the lane open throughout the first half. In addition, Jason Terry came off the bench to supply the fire power that Josh Howard usually provides. Dallas took a 57-51 lead into the locker room even though Dirk Nowitzki only had five points.

The Mavericks continued to hold the Lakers at bay during most of the third quarter, padding their lead to 12 points.

Fortunately for the Lakers, Kobe Bryant finally caught fire and Trevor Ariza made some great plays at both ends of the court; the Lakers went on a 17-0 run.

The Mavericks never regained the lead as Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 35 points. Derek Fisher added 19 and Andrew Bynum added 18 along with 10 rebounds, six on the offensive boards.

However, the Lakers found their lucky charm in Trevor Ariza whose key rebounds and buckets kept the Lakers out in front throughout the fourth quarter. Ariza finished with 15 points, five rebounds and a block.

Pau Gasol also grabbed some key rebounds on the offensive boards and had a couple of put backs to give him 14 points on the night and seven rebounds. He and Bynum had two blocked shots apiece.

Jason Terry was the high scorer for the Mavericks with 29 points. Dirk Nowitzki had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Antoine Wright added 14 points.

The Lakers will try to win number 14 and their seventh in a row against Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Bosh scored 30 points in the Raptors last game, which lead to a 93-88 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.