Vogel admits to ‘talent deficit’ as Lakers fall out of NBA play-in positions

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 16 February because of a 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, meaning the Lakers postseason chances would be over if the season ended today.

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 complete 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.

“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 the Lakers, who dropped their third straight for their fifth losing streak at least that long in the past two months as part of a steady slide away from .500 for the 2020 champs.

The Mavericks (47-29) moved within a game of Golden State for the third seed in the West. Dallas own the