Phoenix, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Lakers closed a brief road swing on Tuesday night with a 132-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center, their third meeting in the past few weeks. The defeat dropped Los Angeles to 19-9.
Head coach JJ Redick’s club remained undermanned; Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent were unavailable, while Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton returned to action. Jake LaRavia moved into the starting lineup and opened the game with five consecutive points, but the Lakers trailed 29-26 after the first quarter.
Turnovers plagued Los Angeles early in the second period, helping Phoenix stretch the margin to eight. LeBron James steadied the offense with trips to the foul line, and Reaves added a three-pointer and a layup to cut the deficit to four. The Suns stayed hot, however, and led 67-57 at halftime as the Lakers struggled at the stripe.
Phoenix erupted with a 10-2 burst to begin the third quarter, forcing a quick timeout from Redick. Frustration mounted for Los Angeles when LaRavia received a technical foul, and guard Brooks continued to score at will. The Suns carried a 112-86 cushion into the fourth.
Both benches emptied early in the final period. The Lakers absorbed another injury concern when Jaxson Hayes exited with left ankle soreness.
Los Angeles returns home Thursday to face the Houston Rockets in the NBA’s annual Christmas Day schedule.
Source: LakersNation
