Lakers Snap Losing Streak with 107-96 Win Over Suns
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t need LeBron James to secure a 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon. With a sold-out crowd of 18,997 at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers ended a four-game skid, thanks to standout performances from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
James remained sidelined for the fourth straight game due to a groin injury, but Dončić stepped up with a near triple-double, finishing with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Reaves added 28 points, helping Los Angeles (41-25) maintain control throughout the game.
Dončić has now scored at least 30 points in seven consecutive games against Phoenix.
The Suns (31-37) struggled early, giving up a 23-2 Lakers run in the first half and falling behind by as many as 19 points. To make matters worse, Bradley Beal exited at halftime due to left hamstring soreness after scoring just four points in 15 minutes.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 21 points, while Devin Booker recorded 19 points and 11 assists, marking his second straight double-double. However, both stars shot just 6-of-17 from the field. As a team, Phoenix shot 39.3% overall and just 9-of-41 from three-point range.
Phoenix made a brief push in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to eight points at 63-55 with 7:04 remaining. However, Gabe Vincent responded with a three-pointer, and Reaves later drilled another deep shot to push the Lakers’ lead back to double digits.
Each time the Suns attempted a comeback, Los Angeles had an answer. Reaves’ final three-pointer put the game out of reach, giving the Lakers an 88-76 advantage with 8:57 left in the fourth quarter.
Playoff Picture: Suns Fighting for a Play-In Spot
The Suns remain 1.5 games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th and final play-in tournament spot in the Western Conference. With Dallas shorthanded, Phoenix had a chance to gain ground but missed the opportunity.
The Suns, who last won consecutive games in late January, have struggled with consistency all season. The play-in tournament structure means the ninth seed hosts the 10th seed, with the winner advancing to face the loser of the 7-8 matchup for the final playoff spot.
As of now, the Timberwolves, Clippers, Kings, and Mavericks hold the 7-10 seeds in the West.
Halftime Criticism from ESPN Analysts
Phoenix’s poor first half drew sharp criticism from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins, and Bob Myers. With ESPN’s Los Angeles studios located near the arena, analysts were able to witness the Suns’ lackluster performance firsthand.
Myers questioned whether the Suns were even competing, while Perkins and Smith criticized the team’s leadership, effort, and accountability. Perkins pointed out how head coach Mike Budenholzer was seen getting on Durant during a timeout, and Smith highlighted how easily the Lakers were generating open shots.
Durant himself had a visible outburst during the game, adding to concerns about the team’s chemistry and urgency.
Beal’s Injury Woes Continue
Bradley Beal was ruled out of the second half with left hamstring soreness, adding another setback to his injury-ridden season.
Two-way player Collin Gillespie replaced Beal in the second half.
Beal, who has already missed time with multiple injuries—including issues with his shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, and calf—has struggled to stay on the court. Despite averaging 17.6 points on 50.6% shooting, his availability has been a major concern for Phoenix.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer and the team’s medical staff have been managing Beal’s minutes in hopes of keeping him healthy for the remainder of the season. However, with another injury forcing him out, the Suns will have to evaluate his status ahead of their back-to-back game against the Toronto Raptors on Monday.
Postgame Reactions from the Suns
- Coach Mike Budenholzer on the slow start: “The first quarter was frustrating. We’ve got to come out ready, starting tomorrow night and every game. Today, we should’ve been ready, and we weren’t.”
- Devin Booker on the team’s inconsistency: “In spots, we show we can do it. That’s what makes it even more frustrating. We have a game like last game, then we come in and miss a few shots, and that affects our defense. If you’re playing with energy and effort, you can sleep well at night, regardless. I don’t think we’re doing that right now.”
- Booker on defending Luka Dončić: “I think we were trying to blitz him early, but it wasn’t a full blitz. He was still able to read the backside of the defense and make plays.”
- Tyus Jones on the team’s mindset: “We are confident against whoever we play, but our actions have to show that we’re desperate—that our season is on the line each and every night.”
- Cody Martin on making his Suns debut: “It was nice, man. Just being able to get out there and get your legs under you. It’s going to come with reps.”
The Suns will look to bounce back quickly as they take on the Raptors (24-43) on Monday night.