Lakers vs. Mavericks

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who had a game-high 38 points, pulls up for a shot over Mavericks forward Shawn Marion and center Elton Brand in the second half Sunday.   (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Steve Nash and the Lakers will be featured in 29 nationally broadcast games this season.  (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo challenges a driving layup by Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who had 14 points in the fourth quarter, during a play in the second half Sunday.  (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Lakers center Dwight Howard lofts a shot over the defense of Mavericks center Elton Brand in the second half Sunday.   (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives down the lane against Mavericks forward Jae Crowder in the second half Sunday.   (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Lakers forward Metta World Peace forces Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki to pass in the second half Sunday.   (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, left, fakes out Mavericks guard Vince Carter in the second half Sunday.  (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant splits the double-team defense of Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo and forward Shawn Marion in the first half Sunday.  (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

Lakers forward Metta World Peace defends Mavericks power forward Elton Brand as he shoots in the first half Sunday.   (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Lakers center Dwight Howard puts down a dunk against the Mavericks in the first half Sunday.   (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant falls to the court after he was fouled by Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo in the first half Sunday.  (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives to the basket against Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo.  (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Lakers center Dwight Howard loses control of the ball as he attempts a shot between Mavericks big men Dirk Nowitzki and Bernard James (5).   (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo strips the ball from Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on a drive down the lane.  (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)

Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki fades away for a jumper over Lakers forward Earl Clark in the first half Sunday.   (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Mavericks guard Vince Carter is fouled by Lakers center Dwight Howard on a drive to the basket in the first half Sunday.  (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki, here being fouled by Lakers forward Earl Clark, will lead Dallas into Staples Center for a crucial showdown that may help decide the final Western Conference playoff spot.   (Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)