Betting On Lakers Mavericks – Lakers Look To Overcome Distractions Versus Defending NBA Champions Wednesday

Frustrations reached a new-high for Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers following Sunday’s 104-97 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Bryant, who turned the ball over 10 times in the loss, sounded off on reporters about the Lakers’ management failing to commit to center Pau Gasol in the long term and the negative effect that indecisiveness has had on their team. Los Angeles has treaded around the .500 mark through its past 10 games, and while a road game against the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks doesn’t seem like the most ideal situation for them to turn things around, Dirk Nowitzki and company haven’t fared any better over the past couple of weeks.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks
Wednesday February 22, 2012 – 9:30 PM ET
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
NBA Sportsbook Line: Dallas Mavericks

Nowitzki and the Mavericks are right there with the Lakers for teams hovering around the .500 mark over their past 10 games, although they have been excellent at home where they have registered 12 wins in 19 contests. That will make Dallas the sports betting favorites for Wednesday’s game, their final contest before the All Star break.

NBA Betting Preview: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers still have a trip to Oklahoma City to face Kevin Durant and the Thunder before they get to All Star weekend, but considering the distractions surrounding the team they will have to approach this game with the mindset that it is the only thing that matters right now. While management in Los Angeles has definitely played a role in the team’s struggled, including a move that has not been criticized enough in the shipping away of Lamar Odom in the offseason, the Lakers will have to put it on themselves to get the job done. Bryant has not been the same player he has been in years past, and that has led to him looking to blame those around him rather than looking in the mirror.

NBA Betting Preview: Dallas Mavericks

Odom has been an excellent addition to the Mavericks since his arrival, averaging 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds coming off of the bench. Odom’s presence in Dallas allowed Nowitzki to take some extra time off to get his legs back underneath him, and the result has been better play from both players so far. The Mavericks were victimized by Linsanity and the New York Knicks’ perimeter game much in the same way that the Lakers had been only days prior, suggesting that neither team is playing its best basketball.

NBA Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

While the Lakers certainly won’t let this one go easily, Dallas has been excellent at home and should be able to handle its business. Los Angeles was already dealing with a ton of distractions even before Kobe sounded off, but the superstar’s recent tirade will only serve to take even more away from the team’s focus. Odom will be motivated to play his best against his former team, while Nowitzki continues to get his legs underneath him with the help of the crowd as sports bet favorites at home.