The Dallas Mavericks are in Los Angeles to take on the Lakers on Wednesday night at Staples Center. Although both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, they are headed in vastly different directions. The Mavericks are openly tanking--- owner Mark Cuban was fined a whopping $600,000 earlier this season for his comments essentially saying as much. With a winning percentage tied for fourth worst in the NBA, Dallas has a solid chance to get a top-five pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Lakers, on the other hand, do not own their first-round pick this year. Instead, they have the Cavaliers pick as a result of the Isaiah Thomas trade. 

Possible 2018 Draft Picks

The Mavericks may be able to add a player capable of changing the direction of their franchise this summer. Along with Dennis Smith Jr.---who has flashed amazing potential---it is very realistic to imagine Porter, Bagley, or Bamba slotting in as the second member of the Mavericks young core. Fortunately for Los Angeles, the core is already in place thanks to excellent work by the front office. Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma are untouchable, while Julius Randle and Josh Hart appear more likely than ever to be a part of the core moving forward as well. The Mavericks are widely expected to make a contract offer to restricted free agent Julius Randle, which could throw a wrench into the Lakers plans. There are plenty of scenarios in which the Lakers could acquire a superstar---or even two---while still holding on to Julius Randle. The Lakers can match whatever offer Dallas pitches, but that may mean they have to pay Randle more than they initially planned. It's not as if Randle hasn't earned it, as the former Kentucky Wildcat has broken out in his fourth professional season. Randle is averaging 16.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 26.6 minutes per game. Once Head Coach Luke Walton committed to playing him around thirty minutes per night, Randle took off and elevated his game. At the beginning of this season, I didn't expect Randle to be in purple and gold at the start of 2018-2019. However, with his rapid and impressive improvement over the last few months, I think it is now safe to say the Lakers will likely do what they can to retain Randle. 

Lonzo Ball Vs. Dennis Smith Jr.

Two of the best guards in the 2017 rookie class will headline this matchup between L.A. and Dallas. Both players have shown clear signs of being future all-star caliber players, despite having somewhat up and down seasons. 

With both teams eliminated from playoff contention, there will be slightly more focus on the individual matchup between Smith Jr. and Ball. Despite being shorthanded, this is a game the Lakers should win. It will be fun to watch the two rookies go at it, in what will be the first of many matchups between two future stars. 

The Mavericks and Lakers will tip off just after 10:30 PM eastern time on Wednesday night at Staples Center.