After being eliminated from the NBA Cup last Wednesday, the Lakers (17-7) are back at it on the road where they will play their next four games. The first game of the trip will be against the Phoenix Suns (14-11), who Los Angeles aims to get back at after they were blown out at home earlier this month.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
When: 5 p.m. PT, Dec. 14
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers’ most recent loss to San Antonio Spurs turned out to be disappointing
in more ways than one. Not only did they come out with no fighting spirit, but their flaws were greatly exposed once again in a very loud manner. It was the type of loss that would make you thank the heavens for the three-day break that followed.
By now, it’s clear that the Lakers’ defense has been their most glaring problem. They don’t have the size, speed and athleticism to stop their opponents nor can they pressure defenders to keep them away from the rim. They struggle against opponents who have centers that can stretch the floor as well as those who have dynamic and speedy guards leading their offense. It’s such a concern that it was what JJ Redick and a handful of players were asked about over the last three days.
Now, there may or may not be a solution to fix the Lakers’ defensive struggles. How do they bake a cake if they don’t have the ingredients necessary? Will playing with more focus and energy really be enough? Or is the only solution to retool the roster? Regardless of what it may be, their opponents are going to keep exposing them defensively and that will be no different when they face the Suns on Sunday.
In the first meeting between these two teams, Dillon Brooks stole the spotlight after running Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves off the floor. Granted, the Lakers were on the second night of a back-to-back at that time but still, there was no reason to let Brooks score 33 points as well as allow undrafted guard Collin Gillespie to put up 28 points. Again, the Lakers’ perimeter defense was a no-show.
Usually, when it comes to facing teams like the Suns, the Lakers’ best bet is to let their juggernaut offense cover their defensive flaws. It’s not the most sustainable strategy, but it has worked for them on a handful of occasions. That’s something they have to do once again on Sunday.
It’ll be ideal to get a bounce back game from Dončić and James, both of whom didn’t play well versus the Spurs. With Reaves expected to miss some time, there needs to be an x-factor and the likeliest candidates are Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura or Marcus Smart.
Remember, this Suns team may not have the best record but they’re certainly capable of beating every opponent. The advanced stats point out that they’re a mediocre team but their defense can turn up anytime, just like it did against the Lakers in their first meeting. Expect them to come out even stronger at home, especially if Devin Booker — who is now listed as questionable for this one — suits up.
Let’s see whether or not the Lakers can handle the Suns on Sunday.
Notes and Updates
- Before we get to the injury report, it’s important to point out that this is a game between two teams in the same division, which means wins are extra crucial. Currently, the Suns lead the Lakers (1-0) in their matchup, which is why it would be nice for the purple and gold to get them back.
- At least we know that the Lakers have been a tremendous road team this season as they’re 10-3 in away games.
- Now for the injury report, Maxi Kleber (lumbar muscle strain) and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) are out. Bronny James is with the South Bay Lakers.
- As for the Suns, Devin Booker (right groin strain) and Dillon Brooks (left Achilles soreness) are questionable. Meanwhile, Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Isaiah Livers (hip strain) remain out.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
