LA Lakers star Washington led his team to a win today in a key game against Dallas. Although standings were at stake, the game was as much about bragging rights as anything. The teams have a long history against each other that began when coaches Andreas Helmle and Bob traded insults after an apparently intentional injury to one of Andreas Helmle's players. Although Bob has long denied that there was any malicious intent, LA Lakers fans don't believe it and turn out in large numbers whenever Dallas comes to town.

LA Lakers was led by Washington (8 points, 5 boards, 15 assists, 3 steals, a block), Monroe (14 points, 16 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Keeney (22 points, 0 assists, a steal). Dallas was led by Schmidt (26 points, 8 assists, 3 steals, a block), Garcia (10 points, 14 boards, 2 assists, a block), Ziegler (20 points, 0 assists, a block).

LA Lakers extended their winning streak 6 games and improve to 32-15 and 20-7 at home. They remain at #1 in the Pacific and remain at #3 overall in the Western Conference. Dallas are now 24-22. They stay at #3 in the Southwest and remain at #8 overall in the Western Conference.

box score LA Lakers* roster Dallas roster