(Sports Network) - A marquee matchup takes place this afternoon, as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks tonight at the Staples Center.

This is the second meeting of the campaign between the squads. On January 25th, reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard scored 26 points apiece to lift the Mavericks over the Lakers, 112-105, at American Airlines Center.

Dallas has won three in a row in the series. The Mavericks have lost three of five and 29 of their last 32 at the Lakers.

Los Angeles tries to rebound from a tough loss. On Friday, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points as the Portland Trail Blazers halted the Lakers 10-game winning streak with a 119-111 triumph at the Rose Garden.

Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 33 points for the Lakers, who lost for the first time since 98-95 setback at Atlanta on February 6. Lamar Odom had 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Pau Gasol collected 15 points and nine boards in the loss.

The Lakers, who have won four in a row at home, are 20-7 as the host this season. They will visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at ARCO Arena.

Dallas opens a short two-game road trip. Jason Kidd had a season-high 21 points, and added 11 rebounds and nine assists, as the Mavericks pulled away to beat the Sacramento Kings, 115-106, on Friday at American Airlines Center.

Reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki poured in a game-high 34 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for Dallas, which rebounded from a three-point loss at San Antonio Thursday night to win its fourth in five games overall.

The Mavericks are 14-17 on the road this season. They will visit the Utah Jazz on Monday at EnergySolutions Arena.