The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Phoenix to face the Suns on Tuesday, December 23, at Mortgage Matchup Center, tipping off at 9:00 p.m. ET. Los Angeles holds a 19-8 record, while Phoenix is 15-13.
The Lakers enter on a one-game losing streak after falling 88-103 to the Clippers on December 20, following a 143-135 win over Utah on December 18. The Suns are also coming off a loss, dropping 116-119 to Golden State, after a narrow 99-98 win over the Warriors two days earlier.
This season, Phoenix leads the series 1-1, winning 125-108 in Los Angeles on December 1, while the Lakers claimed a 116-114 victory at Phoenix on December 14.
Los Angeles faces multiple injuries, including Luka Doncic (lower left leg contusion) and Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness), both out, while Austin Reaves is questionable with a left calf strain and Gabe Vincent is sidelined with a lumbar back strain.
Phoenix has Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) out and Grayson Allen listed as doubtful due to right knee management. Jordan Goodwin will play wearing a protective mask for a jaw sprain.
The Lakers rely on Austin Reaves, who averages 27.8 points and 6.7 assists, and LeBron James contributing 20.2 points with 7.1 assists, though he has appeared in only 11 games this season. Deandre Ayton posts 15.3 points and nine rebounds, while Doncic averages 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists when available.
Phoenix counters with Devin Booker, scoring 25.6 points per game with 6.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds. Dillon Brooks adds 21.7 points, Royce O’Neale contributes 10.3 points with 5.2 rebounds, and Collin Gillespie provides 13.2 points with 4.8 assists. Mark Williams averages 12.6 points and eight rebounds.
