DALLAS -- The Los Angeles Lakers eased past the conference-leading Dallas Mavericks 100-89 on Thursday, making a mockery of the three-time defending NBA champion's lowly seventh position in the West.

The defeat was just the Mavericks' eighth home loss of the season.

Shaquille O'Neal had a huge night, notching 31 points while grabbing 17 rebounds.

Teammate Kobe Bryant added 19 points and Derek Fisher notched up 18.

Steve Nash paced Dallas with 26 points, with fellow all-star Dirk Nowitzki pouring in 25 while pulling down 22 boards.

The slick-shooting Nash was 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, said Reuters.

The defeat was the seventh for Dallas in 10 meetings with the West's other contenders -- the Lakers, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs.