Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 14, 2025 — The Los Angeles Lakers erased a 15-point deficit and edged the Phoenix Suns 116-114 on Sunday night, capped by two LeBron James free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining at Mortgage Matchup Center.
James drew a foul while attempting a three-pointer, then converted two of three attempts to put Los Angeles in front for good. Phoenix’s final shot missed at the buzzer, sealing the Lakers’ comeback from a game-high 24-0 run early in the fourth quarter.
Key moments
• Fourth-quarter surge: Trailing by nine, the Lakers rattled off 24 unanswered points, highlighted by a James three-pointer, a Jaxson Hayes alley-oop dunk and a Jarred Vanderbilt corner three.
• Dillon Brooks ejected: Brooks was whistled for a technical foul — his second of the night — after nudging James while celebrating a late triple that briefly gave Phoenix a one-point edge.
• Marcus Smart starts: With Austin Reaves sidelined, Smart opened at guard and delivered an early lob to Deandre Ayton before notching a steal and layup.
Game flow
Phoenix led 36-31 after one quarter as Jordan Goodwin sparked a 10-0 run. The Lakers committed 13 first-half turnovers, but James’ free throws at the halftime buzzer left the teams deadlocked at 62.
Los Angeles used an 11-0 burst in the third period, punctuated by a Hayes three-point play, to move ahead 86-77. Vanderbilt’s block and James’ layup opened the fourth, and the visitors soon built their first double-digit advantage.
The Suns responded with a 12-0 run led by Brooks and Colin Gillespie, seizing a 112-111 lead. Brooks’ subsequent technical foul and ejection set the stage for James’ decisive trip to the line.
Stat leaders
Lakers: LeBron James — 30 points; Jaxson Hayes — 16 points; Jarred Vanderbilt — 10 points, key defensive plays.
Suns: Dillon Brooks — 24 points before ejection; Colin Gillespie — 18 points; Jordan Goodwin — 15 points.
Up next
The Lakers receive three days off before visiting the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
Source: LakersNation.com
