Following their triumph in the inaugural NBA Cup, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to resume regular season play with a three-game road trip, all within the state of Texas. Their first game will be against the Dallas Mavericks, who previously defeated them 104-101 on November 22.

One of the key challenges for the Lakers in this matchup will be containing Luka Doncic, who has been averaging impressive statistics this season, including 32.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game, with a 3-point shooting percentage of 38.8%. In the past, the Lakers relied on forward Jarred Vanderbilt to defend against Doncic, but Vanderbilt’s availability for Tuesday’s game is uncertain due to a back ailment.

In a game last season against Dallas, Vanderbilt performed exceptionally well in limiting Doncic’s effectiveness, forcing him into committing six turnovers. Vanderbilt also contributed significantly on both ends of the court with 17 rebounds, 15 points, four assists, and three blocked shots, ultimately playing a vital role in the Lakers’ come-from-behind 111-108 victory.

Although Vanderbilt recently returned from a heel bursitis ιnjury that had sidelined him since the preseason, his participation in Tuesday’s game remаins uncertain. If he is unable to play, players like Taurean Prince and Cam Reddish will need to step up and take on the challenge of guarding the Slovenian superstar.