The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in peculiar territory as the season comes to a close. LA is fighting for important playoff seeding, while the Mavs will most likely have to win two games in the Play-In Tournament just to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.

In response to these declines, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver implemented a radical reform aimed at revitalizing interest in the All-Star game. The new setup embraces a tournament-style competition with a $1.8 million prize pool for the championship team, ensuring that players have a financial stake in the outcome of the games.

After struggling in back-to-back games, Luka Doncic finished with 35 points and six rebounds in the Lakers' 124-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.