Mavericks rout Lakers with LeBron James sitting, Anthony Davis near return

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Luka Doncic scored 34 points in a triple-double and the Dallas Mavericks routed the Lakers 128-110 on Tuesday night with Los Angeles missing LeBron James because of an ankle issue while anticipating the return of long-injured Anthony Davis.

James and Davis didn't play after being listed as doubtful, which was actually an upgrade for Davis. The eight-time All-Star hasn't played since Feb. 16 because of a right mid-foot sprain. His first full practice since the injury was Monday in Dallas.

The question is when the superstars, who have played just 21 games together this season, return. The Lakers (31-44) are tied with San Antonio for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference with seven games remaining for both teams, although the Spurs have the tiebreaker.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel was non-committal about the status of James and Davis for the finale of a three-game road trip in Utah on Thursday. LA completes a back-to-back Friday at home against New Orleans. The Pelicans are ninth in the West, a game ahead of the Lakers and Spurs.

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) blows on his fingers after scoring a three pointer during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Dallas, Tuesday, March 29, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

"With those guys out, we’re at a talent deficit, so the focus and execution has to make up for it," Vogel said. "This is just the latest dose of adversity that this year’s team has faced. When you lose ’Bron, OK, you have to adjust yet again throughout a season of setbacks."

Malik Monk scored 28 points and Russell Westbrook had 25 for