Lakers drop back to .500 after loss to Suns.
After falling short to the Bulls in a close battle, the short-handed Lakers lose their third game in a row, falling to the Phoenix Suns 108–90 to drop their record back to .500 at 16–16.
Going 1 for 18 (5%) from three in the second half, the Lakers' execution wasn't consistent tonight, struggling in multiple areas as they finished 20% (7 for 35) from the three-point line and 39% (34 for 87) overall from the floor.
After the game, interim head coach David Fizdale discussed how the Lakers' fortunes shifted in the second half when they were outscored 54–38, saying: "Offensively we got really stagnant. It allowed the Suns to play off our misses in transition and catch us in different matchup situations."
In tonight's defeat, LeBron James scored over 30 points for the eighth time this season, scoring 34 points on 68% overall from the floor, adding 7 rebounds in 34 minutes of action.
Midway in the 3rd quarter, James landed on Suns Jae Crowder's foot, causing him to land awkwardly on his ankle and slam the floor in frustration. After the game, he spoke on his ankle, saying: "I stepped on Jae Crowder's foot. I'm going to be ready for the next game."
Outside of his 7 turnovers, Russell Westbrook was the only other consistent scoring option next to LeBron, scoring 22 points in 36 minutes on 50% shooting from the field and adding 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and a couple of steals in his efforts.
Following the game, Westbrook commented on the Lakers' inconsistency in terms of player availability due to injury or COVID protocols, saying: "Everybody knows that, but nobody cares, they don't want to hear that...Our job is to keep our head down and stay locked in on one common goal, and that's winning a championship."
Apart from James and Westbrook, the remainder of the starting Lakers lineup combined for 7 points, with none scoring more than 3 points in the defeat.
With Anthony Davis expected to miss three to four weeks due to an MCL sprain, this level of play is not a prescription for success in the West. The Lakers' scoring outside of their stars will have to find a way to work together on a difficult path that injuries and the COVID procedure will hamper.
The Lakers' next matchup will be at home against the Spurs on Thursday in the final game of the Staples Center, as they are making a move to rename it Crypto.com Arena. Look for the Lakers to try and give the fans their last win in their historic arena that brought home six championships in its history as Staples Center.