It wasn’t a pretty win, but the Lakers were able to come out on top against the Suns on the road. At one point, LA led by as many as 20 points, but almost blew it in the fourth with silly fouls, bad turnovers and poor overall shooting.
However, some clutch free throws from Marcus Smart and even some from LeBron James finally secured the result.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron James
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36 minutes, 26 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 8 turnovers, 3 fouls, 8-17 FG, 1-5 3PT, 9-14 FT, +8
It was a mixed performance from LeBron. On the one hand, he scored 26 points and had some key free throws late. On the other hand, he missed some free throws late, shot poorly from deep and had a few bad defensive plays.
However, he handled Dillon Brooks well, and eventually Brooks’ antics got the better of him as he was ejected during the final seconds.
Overall, LeBron is looking more like himself, but he needs to clean up some of those errors so the Lakers can be the best version of themselves.
Grade: C
Luka Dončić
38 minutes, 29 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 6 turnovers, 3 fouls, 7-25 FG, 2-14 3PT, 13-14 FT, -5
This was a bad Luka game.
He couldn’t shoot to save his life and had just as many turnovers as assists. It’s great that the Lakers were able to win this one despite Luka playing so poorly.
Grade: D
Rui Hachimura
31 minutes, 3 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3 fouls, 1-5 FG, 1-4 3PT, -12
This was another game where Hachimura didn’t get involved much offensively. It didn’t seem like he did anything wrong, or there was more he could’ve done to get looks, but it’s becoming a bit of a problem.
Hachimura is best when he’s taking jumpers, and if he’s not doing that, his value drops significantly. The Suns tried to expose Hachimura defensively, but he stood his own. Hachimura’s rebounding was also a plus, but he needs to score more.
Grade: C-
Deandre Ayton
30 minutes, 20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 4 fouls, 10-11 FG, 0-2 FT, -12
Ayton was an efficient machine in this game. He missed just one shot and ended the night with a double-double. It’s hard to ask more of him and I won’t be the one who does.
Grade: A
Marcus Smart
32 minutes, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, 2-7 FG, 1-5 3PT, 3-4 FT, -10
Smart brought exactly the kind of defensive intensity this team needs against the Suns. He had a pair of blocks and stayed aggressive on his defensive assignments. His aggression almost got the better of him late in the game, but luckily, it didn’t result in disaster, and the Lakers were able to walk away with a win.
I’m not sure if he made the strongest case to always be a starter, but with Austin Reaves out, Smart performed well in his place.
Grade: C
Jarred Vanderbilt
15 minutes, 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 foul, 2-5 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, +7
Vando take a bow! After being a DNP for far too many games, he got some playing time and made the most of it. He had seven rebounds and six of the were offensive. Vanderbilt was deflecting balls, diving on the floor and even hit a corner 3-pointer.
Who knew that playing your best defender would improve a team’s defensive performance?
Grade: A
Gabe Vincent
19 minutes, 5 points, 1 steal, 1 foul, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3PT, +10
Vincent plays far too much for what he brings. The scoring was minimal, and his defense play is replacement-level. Sure, he can handle the ball a bit better than the alternatives when LeBron, Luka and Reaves are off the floor, but it’s not enough to warrant 19 minutes on the court.
Grade: C-
Jaxson Hayes
18 minutes, 12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 4-4 FG, 4-5 FT, +11
Hayes did everything he was supposed to do in this game. He scored on all four of his shot attempts, was a ball of energy and helped the Lakers maintain a big on the floor at virtually all times.
Hayes also had the best play in the game with a monster dunk over Oso Ighodaro.
Grade: A-
Jake LaRavia
21 minutes, 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 4 fouls, 2-9 FG, 0-4 3PT, 2-2 FT, +13
When LaRavia struggles offensively, as he did against the Suns, he doesn’t do much that helps winning. He’s a bit slow-footed defensively, and his only big positive in Phoenix was his rebounding.
Honestly, he probably should lose a shift and just play around 15 or fewer minutes moving forward.
Grade: C-
JJ Redick
When Redick took out Smart and Vanderbilt midway through the fourth, the Suns started their comeback. He also used his reviews in odd ways and didn’t get Luka to shoot a clutch free throw late. LeBron ended up taking it and missing.
Redick is usually the reason the Lakers have played well but tonight, he was part of the reason the Lakers almost turned a blowout win into an embarrassing loss.
Grade: C-
Sunday’s DNPs: Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, Nick Smith Jr.
Sunday’s inactives: Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber, Bronny James
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
