The Lakers (19-8) are back again in Phoenix where they will play the Suns (15-13) for the third time this month. L.A. looks to gain a 2-1 record advantage against its division rivals and to bounce back after
a tough loss to the Clippers.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
When: 6 p.m. PT, Dec. 23
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers’ injury issues have been one of the talking points about the team this month. Just when Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton could both suit up again for the purple and gold, Luka Dončić suffers a lower leg contusion and while it may not be serious, he’s considered day-to-day moving forward. More importantly in the short term, he’s also been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Suns.
With Dončić sidelined, that means a heavier workload for LeBron James and Reaves. In the Lakers’ most recent loss to the Clippers, James tried to propel the team to a comeback victory as he put up 36 points, but it wasn’t enough. Fortunately, he’ll have more help on Tuesday. The Lakers could use a good game from every single role player who’s expected to play.
The Lakers should be well aware by now that this Suns team can beat anyone at any given night. The stats don’t really indicate how pesky, gritty and annoying this team is to play. Given what also happened between Dillon Brooks and James last game, it’s best to expect another physical and hot-headed match.
As irritating as it is to play against Brooks, he’s actually been the Suns’ best player in the last two games against the Lakers. He and Devin Booker combined for 45 points in their last meeting before the former was ejected for two technical fouls that gave the game to the Lakers. There’s no doubt that Brooks will have vengeance on his mind and it’ll be up to the Lakers to respond or, ideally, make Brooks look like a fool once again.
The key for the Lakers will be their defense. Even with Dončić out, they have enough offense to keep up with the Suns, especially if their 3-point shooting doesn’t disappear like it did against the Clippers. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not head coach JJ Redick will stick with Jarred Vanderbilt, whose defense was a huge factor in the Lakers’ last victory against the Suns.
Ultimately, if the Lakers just play their usual game on offense and turn their defense up a notch, they’ll have a high chance of winning this one. Note that they’ve yet to lose two games in a row this season, so they have always played well after a loss. Let’s see if that’s the case in Phoenix on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Luka Dončić (lower left leg contusion), Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness) and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain) are out. Reaves is questionable.
- Meanwhile for the Suns, Grayson Allen (right knee injury management) is doubtful. Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) won’t suit up but Jordan Goodwin (jaw sprain) is available.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
