Despite no longer being an IST game, the reason why the Lakers should beat Dallas tonight

The In-Season Tournament is now on the rearview for the Los Angeles Lakers, their focus is now to keep developing chemistry, improving as a team, and climbing on the Western Conference seeds.

Tonight is a great opportunity for the group to get a win over the 4th seed the Dallas Mavericks despite being an on-the-road game. The Lakers will have a different energy in tonight's game compared to the IST final against the Pacers, still, they should go after the victory.

The Mavs themselves are on the second night of a back-to-back after a win last night in Memphis that saw Luka log 44 minutes. On top of that, Kyrie Irving has had an ailing foot and is likely out. Despite an emotional Tournament win and an extra game played, the Lakers should be the fresher team.

The Mavs shoot more threes than anyone in the league. Get them on a random hot shooting night and it's game over. LA's perimeter defense will need to be excellent to keep the deep shots from putting an end to their night.

The reason why Jarred Vanderbilt playing tonight is key

Last season, Jarred Vanderbilt made Luka Doncic's night miserable, harassing him in a critical Lakers win. Tonight, Vando needs to haunt Luka again, and he should have help from Cam Reddish as well. Haunting Luka's holiday season would go a long way towards getting a Lakers win. The problem is, that Vando is listed as questionable, but let's hope he can step on the court again.