My best guess is because the Los Angeles Lakers had a close call against the Sacramento Kings recently, head coach Phil Jackson had to remind his team of who they were and what they represent. Whatever the message was, it got the desired effect.

Sunday found the Lakers hosting the Dallas Mavericks, and to put it mildly, the rims at Staples Center seemed to be as big as NYC manholes. The Lakers shot a blistering 63.4% from the floor and you’ve probably guessed, the Mavericks just didn’t stand a chance. Seven Lakers scored in double-digits as Los Angeles dominated Dallas 131-96.

The Mavericks shot a measly 16 percent in the first quarter, making just four baskets and missing all six of their 3-point attempts. They made eight field goals in the second and trailed 64-39 at halftime. Dirk Nowitzki was the only Dallas player in double figures by halftime with 16, while the rest of the starting lineup combined for 11 points. Drew Gooden also was scoreless.

With Kobe Bryant distributing the ball, Lamar Odom took over rebounding and Andrew Bynum did a little of everything after Pau Gasol strained his left hamstring seven minutes into the first quarter. The Lakers romped to a 40-point lead after three quarters, letting Jackson go deep into his bench in the fourth. All 11 available Lakers scored. They outscored Dallas 52-36 in the paint while controlling the boards 44-40 and piling up 33 assists.

Seven Lakers scored in double-digits, led by Jordan Farmar with 24 points (including six 3-pointers), a rebound, an assist, 2 steals and a block while Bynum scored 19 with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal; Odom and Bryant chipped in 15 apiece – with Odom grabbing 15 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists along with a block while Bryant grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 8 assists along with a block.

The Mavericks were led by Nowitzki with 22 points, 8 rebounds and an assist while Tim Thomas came off the bench to score 12 with a steal; Jose Juan Barea and Jason Terry added 10 each – with Barea grabbing a rebound and dishing out 3 assists while Terry grabbed a rebound and dished out an assist.

Los Angeles (27-6) plays again on Tuesday when they conclude their home stand, hosting the Houston Rockets while Dallas (23-11) returns home to host the Detroit Pistons – also on Tuesday night.