Lakers Set for Sunday Road Game in Phoenix After Emirates NBA Cup Exit
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The Los Angeles Lakers will visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5:00 p.m. PT after being knocked out of the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Los Angeles advanced to the knockout stage by sweeping West Group B with a 4-0 record, earning home-court advantage against the San Antonio Spurs. Despite facing a Spurs lineup missing rookie center Victor Wembanyama (calf), the Lakers fell 132-119 and were eliminated from the in-season tournament.
Sunday’s matchup at Footprint Center will be the third of four regular-season meetings between the Pacific Division rivals, and the fifth overall clash counting the NBA Cup contest. Phoenix dominated the most recent game, racing past Los Angeles from the opening tip.
The early exit from the tournament gives the Lakers extra recovery time before facing Phoenix. Several players, including LeBron James, have been managing injuries, and the club hopes the additional rest will help restore a healthier rotation.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick looked for levity after the loss to San Antonio, joking that his squad might have been taken over by the “Monstars” from Space Jam during the defeat.
Source: LakersNation.com
