Remember when it seemed like the best cure for a team on a losing streak was facing the Lakers? The opposite has been true this season.

The Lakers ended Miami’s four-game winning streak Monday, the fourth time they have done so against a team this season. They ended Orlando’s five-game streak Friday, Dallas’ 13-game streak earlier this month and San Antonio’s four-game streak in December.

If the Mavericks win tonight against Houston, they’ll take a five-game winning streak into Thursday’s rematch against the Lakers in Dallas. First things first, we’ve got to get to Texas. There’s an ice storm making for a nightmare travel day for all of us who fly commercial.