By J.P. Masters - Junior Insider

One thing's for sure: It’s not going to be a stroll in the park…

There’s a Free NBA 3-Star pick for you at the end of this article, but before we get to it there are a few reasons why I like the odds on the Los Angeles Lakers against the Dallas Mavericks game tonight.

•    The Lakers are still in the race this season for the Western Conference and doing a fair job, holding a 19-13 record so far.

•    L.A. is coming off of an impressive 103-92 win against Portland at Staples Center on Monday. A game that saw Kobe Bryant put up 28 points, and Lakers’ big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, totaling 16 points and 12 rebounds, and 14 and 19 respectively for the Lakers' fourth win in five games.

•    The team is clearly fired up and running with the intensity, going so far as having another players-only meeting after Monday’s win to prepare for the difficult games ahead. In Kobe’s own words: "In the first half (of Portland’s game), that's the best we played, especially defensively. We came out with great energy.”

•    They also have something to prove when they face the Dallas Mavericks, as they try to take the huge chip off their shoulders having been embarrassed in the 122-86 loss to the Mavs in game four of the 2011 Western Conference semifinals.

•    Although being 5-11 on the road, which admittedly doesn’t sit well with me, if the Lakers start winning against elite teams when they’re away it could give them the confidence to go all the way.
•    Let’s be honest, a lot of Lakers’ success falls on the shoulders of Bryant. The main reason why they can beat anyone on any given night is him, if he can keep his stamina, energy and game (and nobody doubts he can’t) the team will likely fall in line and may go home with two wins before the All-Star break.

Let’s get to the pick, the Lakers are looking to stay focused heading into Wednesday's road game. I don’t believe they will pull the upset to win, but they do have it in them to keep things very close.
Bet the Lakers at +4.5 or better. A solid pick, bank on it. 

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