The Los Angeles Lakers locked up home-court advantage for the opening round of the playoffs on Friday night, defeating the short-handed Phoenix Suns 101-73 at Crypto.com Arena.
Playing the second half of a back-to-back, Los Angeles improved to 52-29 and guaranteed a top-four seed after the Houston Rockets fell earlier in the evening. The victory came in the Lakers’ penultimate game of the regular season.
Fast start behind James
LeBron James scored 11 of his game-high points in the opening minutes, knocking down two three-pointers and converting three free throws after being fouled by Dillon Brooks on another long-range attempt. Luke Kennard followed with a four-point play and a lob to James for a dunk, helping Los Angeles build a 24-14 edge. Three-pointers from Rui Hachimura and Kennard pushed the margin to 33-24 at the end of the first quarter.
Suns briefly surge
Phoenix responded with a 12-2 run to start the second period, taking its first lead while dominating the offensive glass. The rally was short-lived; Kennard reignited the Lakers’ offense, Deandre Ayton added a put-back, and another scoring burst from James sent Los Angeles to halftime ahead 57-48.
Defense takes over
The Suns’ limited offensive options showed after the break. With Marcus Smart back in the lineup following a nine-game absence, the Lakers tightened defensively, restored a double-digit advantage and entered the fourth quarter up 81-64. Smart contributed consecutive layups and assisted on back-to-back baskets during the stretch.
Comfortable finish
Phoenix removed its remaining regulars to avoid further injuries in the fourth, and the Lakers cruised to the finish line. James and the reserves maintained control as Los Angeles closed out its home schedule with a 28-point win.
Up next
The Lakers wrap up the regular season Sunday night against the Utah Jazz before nearly a week of preparation for their first-round series.
Source: LakersNation.com
