For those fans hoping to see even more of the Los Angeles Lakers on national television, you're in luck. Their contest versus the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, Dec. 29 has been flexed into the ESPN slot, with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET:

It will be the third meeting this season between the two teams, who split their first two meetings, with Los Angeles winning in overtime on Nov. 1 before the Mavs responded with a victory of their own on Dec. 1. The two teams will close out their regular-season series on Jan. 10 in Dallas.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers Luka Doncic’s sends ‘speed’ message that will scare rest of NBANathan Yasis ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after his team scored against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
LeBron James’ former teammate provides eye-opening take on GOAT debateAlex House ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James doesn’t hold back on clout-chasing trainersRichard Pereira ·

Currently, the Mavs are dealing with the loss of MVP candidate Luka Doncic, who sustained a moderate right ankle sprain during Saturday's contest. The 20-year-old is only expected to miss a couple of weeks due to the injury, and while it could just be speculative on the part of ESPN, it would appear that Doncic may be able to return in time for what would be a blockbuster Sunday night showdown.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles boasts multiple MVP candidates of its own in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are reason enough for the Lakers to accrue as many national TV games as possible. James enters play Tuesday leading the league in assists per game with 10.7, while having scored at least 20 points in each of his past 17 games.

While the two teams are not slated to see one another over the final three months of the regular season, the Sunday ESPN game could serve as a potential playoff preview between two of the league's most must-see commodities.