Someday, perhaps soon, Mavericks-Los Angeles Lakers could take on the edge of a rivalry. Until then, the series between the teams must settle for another distinction:

Longest-running current domination by a team.
"We've beaten them, what, once in 10 years?" Mavericks general manager-coach Don Nelson asked.

Close.

The world champion Lakers begin Sunday's game at American Airlines Center with 24 wins in their last 25 meetings and 39 in the last 42 against the Mavericks. That includes 22 consecutive home wins by the Lakers.