They won their opener against the Clippers but were only ahead by one going into the fourth quarter. ... Center Andrew Bynum had a huge night with 26 points and 13 rebounds. The big concern with him is staying healthy for a full season. ... Speaking of which, Pau Gasol missed the opener with a hamstring problem and is day-to-day. ... Kobe Bryant, who once dropped 62 on the Mavericks, had a workmanlike 33 in the opener. ... Ron Artest seems to be meshing comfortably with the Lakers and had 10 points, five rebounds and four assists in the opener. ... Former Mavericks D.J. Mbenga and Josh Powell remain on the roster and join Michael Finley as ex-Mavs with championship rings.

They have lost six in a row to the Lakers, including their last four trips to Staples Center. ... Rick Carlisle says rebounding is "a big key. The way they run their offense, there's a lot of movement and wing guys often end up under the basket for offensive rebounds. Winning the rebound game is big." ... They again will lack Josh Howard (ankle) and Tim Thomas (knee). ... Shawn Marion should continue to improve as he regains his stamina after missing most of the preseason with a calf injury that prohibited serious aerobic training.

Eddie Sefko