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Lakers put winning streak on the line vs. surging Mavericks

Nov 28, 2008 - 11:24 AM Dallas (7-7) at LA Lakers (12-1), 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The red-hot Los Angeles Lakers look to extend a pair of winning streaks Friday.

The reigning Western Conference champions have won five in a row since suffering their only defeat two weeks ago - and have won four in a row against the Dallas Mavericks.

Both of those streaks will be put to the test Friday as Los Angeles continues its homestand against Dallas.

The Lakers trounced the New Jersey Nets, 120-93, on Tuesday despite a 5-for-17 performance from reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant.

Pau Gasol picked up the slack with 26 points and eight boards and reserve point guard Jordan Farmar added 18 points and four steals.

The Mavericks have been surging as well, riding a five-game winning streak following a 2-7 start.

Dirk Nowitzki has registered four double-doubles in this stretch, including 24 points and 12 boards in Tuesday's 109-106 triumph over the Indiana Pacers.

Despite their early season struggles, the Mavericks are one of the few teams that have given the Lakers a run this season. In a November 11 meeting in Dallas, the Lakers posted a hard-fought 106-99 triumph on the strength of Bryant's 27 points.