LOS ANGELES -- Just like last season when they started badly at 0-5 before ending up with a franchise-worst 21-61 record , the Los Angeles Lakers are starting off on the wrong foot again early this season.
The purple-and-gold franchise were handed third straight loss on Sunday night when Dirk Nowitzki poured 25 points to lead the visiting Dallas Mavericks to an easy 103-93 victory in front of 18,997 fans at the Staples Center.
Five other Mavs scored in double figures as ZaZa Pachulia added 16 and 12 rebounds. Guards Deron Williams and Raymond Felton each had 11 points with Williams throwing in eight assists. Wes Matthews and J.J. Barea added 10 apiece.
Leading by as many as 18 points, the Mavericks jumped to a 32-21 first quarter advantage and never allowed the Lakers a taste of the lead. The win was especially sweet for Rick Carlisle who won a franchise record 340 games as Mavs head coach.
While the undefeated Mavs scored in stride, the Lakers missed 54 of 85 shots (36.5 percent) including just 10-of-34 from long distance.
"I just can't make a shot," said Kobe Bryant, who missed 12 of 15 field goals and settled with only 15 points. Sophomore Julius Randle led the Lakers with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
Photo: Mavs guards J.J. Barea eludes Brandon Bass of the Lakers on Sunday night at the Staples Center where Barea had 10 points and 7 assists in Dallas' 103-93 victory.
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