Luka Doncic delivered a standout performance with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The win ended Los Angeles’ four-game losing streak and extended its home dominance to seven straight victories.
Austin Reaves contributed 28 points, while Jaxson Hayes matched his season high with 19 points. The Lakers (41-25) returned from a rough road trip but maintained their hold on the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 21 points, and Devin Booker added 19, but Phoenix struggled offensively. The Suns (31-37) remained 1.5 games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in spot after the Mavericks lost to Philadelphia.
LeBron James missed his fourth consecutive game due to a groin strain. Rui Hachimura (knee) was also sidelined for the ninth straight game, but Los Angeles welcomed back several key players.
Doncic returned after missing the previous game against Denver Nuggets, while Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent also rejoined the rotation.
The Lakers came out strong, jumping to a 31-15 first-quarter lead, fueled by Doncic’s scoring and Phoenix’s shooting struggles. The Suns shot just 39.3% from the field and 22% from three, with Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal combining for just two made three-pointers on 12 attempts.
Phoenix attempted a late push, cutting the deficit to 100-92 with under two minutes remaining, but Finney-Smith knocked down a crucial three-pointer to seal the win. The Lakers held the Suns to just 96 points, marking one of their strongest defensive performances in recent weeks.
The victory comes at a crucial time for Los Angeles, which faces a brutal stretch of seven games in 10 days. With Doncic and Reaves stepping up, the team remains competitive while awaiting James’ return.
