LOS ANGELES — A season-high nine turnovers from Luka Doncic overshadowed another strong scoring night and contributed to the Los Angeles Lakers’ 125-108 defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 1 at Crypto.com Arena. The loss halted Los Angeles’ seven-game winning run and came on the second night of a back-to-back.
“That’s on me. I can’t have nine turnovers,” Doncic told reporters after the game. The guard said he tried to involve teammates rather than simply take available shots, a decision he believes led to the miscues.
Phoenix pressured the ball throughout, forcing 22 Lakers turnovers that were converted into 32 points. The Suns’ defensive approach often left Doncic space to score while closing passing lanes, a tactic he described as “confusing” at times.
Los Angeles struggled to match Phoenix’s physical play, especially inside and on the perimeter, where the Suns found open looks. “First, we have to protect the ball,” Doncic said. “Then we need to be more physical on defense.”
Despite the setback, the 26-year-old remains firmly in the league’s MVP conversation, having powered the Lakers to an impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign. The team now turns its attention to a stretch of games against several winning clubs, aiming to clean up ball security issues exposed by Phoenix.
Source: Lakers Nation
