Following LeBron James' injury in the game lost against Atlanta Hawks 99-94, LA Lakers lost their second game in a row, this time against their direct rival on the leaderboard: Phoenix Suns 111-94. Frank Vogel, coach of the Lakers, has had to rely on his bench to try to get a victory because, in addition to LeBron's indefinite injury, Anthony Davis and Marc Gasol, two important figures of Los Angeles squad, are also out.

Phoenix Suns

From the hand of Chris Paul, they knew how to take advantage of the opposing team's debacle and prevailed in each of the key sectors of the game: 48.3% in field goals (42/87), discrete 28.1% in triples (9/32), 78.3% in free throws (18/23), 50 rebounds (9 offensive), 30 assists, 6 blocks and 7 steals. With a triple-double from CP3 (11 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds), and stellar performances by Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, with 26 points each, Phoenix (28-13) consolidates in the second position of the NBA Western Conference.

LA Lakers

With a 6-4 streak in their last 10 games, they add their second consecutive loss. Importantly, of the four lost games in the last ten, two have been against the Suns. In addition to the significant casualties, the contribution from the banks has not been as expected. Players like Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso have had very little turnover: 11 points between them against the Hawks and 20 points against the Suns. However, we cannot fail to highlight the work of Montrezl Harrell, who with his brilliant numbers coming off the bench, is fighting to win again the title of Best 6th Man in the NBA; he has contributed to his team in the last two games a total of 46 points and 21 rebounds. Los Angeles must soon recover Davis and Gasol, but the indefinite absence of LeBron James clouds the outlook for the Lakers (28-15), who do not want to give up their 3rd place in the standings.

(Sources)

  • Official page of the NBA
  • ESPN Sports

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