Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Celtics Need To Get In The Zone

Lakers Vs. Mavericks: Will Road Woes Continue For Kobe Bryant And Company?

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will look to shake off their road woes on Wednesday night as they visit Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. The game will be televised on ESPN.

Feb 22, 2012 - The Los Angeles Lakers have had plenty of minor problems this season, but their issues away from the Staples Center seem like they might be the most difficult to fix. The NBA trade rumors will end once the trade deadline comes and goes, but winning road games doesn't seem to be as easy of a fix.

The Lakers have won just five of their 16 games when they aren't the home team this season, a stark contrast to their 14-2 record at home. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact problem, but answers might be found on Wednesday night as Kobe Bryant and Co. take on Dirk Nowitzki's Dallas Mavericks in a showdown scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Bryant and the Lakers were solid their last time out, holding the Portland Trail Blazers to just seven points in the first quarter before cruising to victory in Los Angeles. Bryant didn't get the answers he wanted before the game, though, as general manager Mitch Kupchak went on record to say he doesn't plan to take Pau Gasol off the trading block — a decision Bryant thinks has been distracting his 7-foot center.

The Mavericks don't have quite as much drama surrounding them, as evidenced by seven wins in their last eight outings. They'll look to continue building on that momentum on Wednesday, considering it'll be their last game before the NBA takes a break for All-Star weekend.

If the Lakers are able to get past their road woes and self-made drama, they might have a chance to beat the Mavericks. It doesn't seem like they've got an easy path to victory, though.

For more on the Lakers, check out Silver Screen and Roll. SB Nation's Mavericks site is housed over at Mavs Moneyball.

Do you like this post?

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 29:  Head coach Scott Brooks of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts in the second half while taking on the San Antonio Spurs in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on May 29, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Spurs Streak Continues With Game 2 Win Over Thunder

May 29; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) during media day for the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Martin Brodeur Looms Large For Devils Young And Old

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 25:  Head coach Les Miles of the LSU Tigers leads his team out onto the field before taking on the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2011 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Things To Look Forward To: Les Miles And John L. Smith, Just Crazyin' Up The Place