The Los Angeles Lakers have spent most of the past two seasons floundering near the bottom of the Western Conference. A few weeks ago at the trade deadline, general manager Rob Pelinka transformed the roster with several trades that appear to have turned the season around. On Sunday, the Lakers erased a 27-point deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks on the road. The rest of the NBA may have to come to grips with the fact that LeBron James and his new-look supporting cast are dangerous.

Even with the Lakers' top trade deadline acquisition, D'Angelo Russell, out with an ankle injury, the Lakers took down Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving & Co. after falling behind 48-21 midway through the second quarter. Recent acquisition Jarred Vanderbilt shined, scoring 15 points and grabbing 17 rebounds, while Anthony Davis led the way with 30 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. LeBron James did what he does, pouring in 26 points, adding eight rebounds and four assists. It was an outstanding performance all around.

The fact that the Lakers stormed all the way back to beat the Mavericks without Russell and with fellow new acquisition Malik Beasley only going 2-of-11 from 3-point range bodes well for the future.