Halftime: Lakers 66, Mavs 54

Pau Gasol scored 20 points on 10-for-10 shooting in the first half, showing exactly why the Lakers would welcome a first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks next month. The Mavericks have no one capable of stopping the 7-foot Gasol. Dirk Nowitzki couldn't get it done in the first half. Neither could Eric Dampier. In fact, the Mavericks don't have anyone who can guard anyone. At least, that's the way it appeared in the first half. Trevor Ariza added 15 points and Kobe Bryant had 11 for the Lakers. Bryant didn't score his first points until hitting a jump shot that gave the Lakers a 45-39 lead with 7:19 left in the half.