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Lakers face Mavericks in Western Conference showdown

Jan 25, 2008 - 3:35 PM LA Lakers (27-13) at Dallas (28-13) 8:30 pm EST

DALLAS (Ticker) - Two teams who have stumbled after putting together seven-game winning streaks meet on Friday when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers have dropped two of their last three games after winning a season-high seven straight contests to start the new year.

Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Lakers against the San Antonio Spurs during their last game on Wednesday. However, the defending champions were too much for Los Angeles as it suffered a 103-91 setback.

Despite the absence of center Andrew Bynum, the Lakers dominated the boards, grabbing 55 total rebounds - 14 more than the Spurs.

Bynum, who is averaging 13.1 points and a team-high 10.2 rebounds this season, is expected to miss eight weeks after MRI tests taken on January 14th revealed a subluxation of the patella and a bone bruise of his left knee. The Lakers are 2-2 without Bynum.

The Mavericks have alternated losses and wins in their last four games after a seven-game winning streak and claimed a 102-95 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday.

Devin Harris paced Dallas with 23 points and nine assists against the Bobcats. The 24-year-old guard continues to make strides in his fourth NBA season, averaging 14.5 points - over four points more than he averaged last campaign.