In a game that saw all five starters score in double-figures, it was the defense that eventually cost the Dallas Mavericks the game.

The Lakers' offense exploded in the second half en route to a 138-115 win over Dallas. Luka Doncic totaled 27 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. He shot 9-19 from the field. And for a good stretch during the game looked like the Luka of last season.

Yet, being honest, this game was a bit of a drag after the first quarter. It was as if it was happening, but also not happening at the same time. I know it may sound crazy, but for a Christmas day matchup between LeBron James and Luka, the game left a lot to be desired.

LeBron and Anthony Davis both tapped out after 30 minutes and the lead well out of reach for the Mavs. Neither had an extraordinary game, it was business as usual. And the same goes for Luka, who played 34 minutes and looked semi-engaged after halftime.

Maybe I came into the game expecting too much. Luka isn't going to make history every game. And for LeBron, his worst games are most star players best. Still, I can't escape the feeling that this game should have offered more to the viewer. However, maybe, that says more about Luka and LeBron's expectations over anything else.

It was a tough loss, but Luka put up 27 Pts in his first #NBAXmas game. pic.twitter.com/2lILvprLQs

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 26, 2020

Defensive struggles:

Dallas' lack of frontcourt defense should be its primary concern going forward. The Lakers frontcourt scored 87 total points. Between Davis and Montrezl Harrell, Dallas gave up 50 points and 15 rebounds. Giving up numbers like that, as a team, you cant expect to win.

Missing Kristaps Porzingis tanked an already bad Dallas defense. But as of late, the team is missing rotations and assignments that even an average defense could land.

The addition of Josh Richardson this offseason was in the hope of an improved defense. But in two games it looks as though it's more of the same. That's not to say that Richardson isn't effective. It's just extremely difficult to have a guard really affect low post rotations. If this trend continues, it will be hard for the Mavs to win games due to the lack of creators on offense outside of Luka and the inability to stop the opposing team's best players.

I can't help but wonder if the Mavs should eventually look to make a move to get a defensive-minded big. Someone needs to be available to stop the wide-open drives to the rim and uncontested layups.

Luka vs. LeBron:

It was cool to see Luka take on guarding LeBron for stretches of the game. LeBron then proceeded to give Luka a Ph.D. in 'You can't guard me." Yet, it was encouraging to see Doncic at least take on the matchup, instead of running from it. Even if it ended up in him being in situations like this:

And this:

At least Doncic didn't back down from the challenge. And in my book that is showcasing a level of defensive development. He may still lack lateral speed or the raw athleticism to stay in front of everyone, but he cares enough to attempt to guard the opposing team's best player. So, if there is a moral victory in this loss, it's this – Luka's defense is headed in the right direction.

Looking ahead:

Dallas desperately needs Porzingis back. He adds an interior presence to a team that completely lacked one. He may not lead the league in blocks, but at the end of the day he is 7'3", and that length matters. Until then, Dallas will continue to piece together frontcourt minutes looking for the answer to its defensive questions.

Next up, Dallas has the Clippers on NBA TV. The rematch of the 2020 NBA playoffs first-round series promises to be at the very least competitive. If the playoffs showcased anything it was that these two teams don't necessarily like each other. So any time there is bad blood, there promises to be good basketball. Hopefully, Dallas can finally get in the win column.

Feature imagine via Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports