Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes into shot the ball on Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Mavericks Make Massive Roster Shakeup Ahead of Lakers Matchup

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to figure out what seed they are going to be when the regular season ends. The entire Western Conference continues to be bunched up.

Right now, the Lakers are third in the West. Still, they are just two games ahead of the eighth spot, which would see them have to be in the play-in before they officially get in the playoffs.

Another team that is fighting for seeding in the Western Conference is the Dallas Mavericks. They are fighting to just make the play-in. They are holding on to the tenth spot right now.

Dallas will be playing a game against the Lakers on Wednesday night. It's a game that both teams need to win in order to accomplish the goal that they have set for themselves.

Ahead of that matchup with the Lakers, the Mavs have made a move with their roster. They have decided to convert two-way guard Brandon Williams' deal into a full-time contract.

The Dallas Mavericks will convert two-way guard Brandon Williams on a standard two-year NBA deal later this week, agents Derek Lafayette and Fess Irvin of Skyward Sports told ESPN. Williams is averaging 8.3 points, 2.4 assists, 51.1% shooting, 37.9% on 3s in 15 minutes a game. pic.twitter.com/JuFe9oQxeW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 8, 2025

Williams has been able to give Dallas some solid moments on the court. Even though he isn't seeing a lot of playing time, he gives Dallas some solid minutes when he is out there.

Dallas is hoping that Williams can help them beat the Lakers. Beating the Lakers would clinch a play-in spot, guaranteeing them at least the tenth spot in the Western Conference.

This will also be the first time that Luka Doncic will play in Dallas since the Lakers acquired him in a trade. It should be a very interesting evening.

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Los Angeles is also looking to clinch something. They need to win a couple of games to at least clinch the fourth spot in the West.

Getting that spot would give them home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. There is still too much fluidity in the standings to project who they might play in the first round.

LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers will be looking to take down the Mavs and show how good of a team they are heading into the postseason. Williams is just hoping to keep his NBA career going.

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This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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