The last time we saw the Los Angeles Lakers, they were lying face down on the mat, having taken a good one on the chin from the Phoenix Suns two games into the 2021-22 season.
Granted, Phoenix only won the contest by a 10 point margin, but the Valley Boys still manhandled their longtime rivals for almost the entire game, at one point leading by 32 points. LA’s players even began to take out their frustrations on each other at one point, while the Suns paraded onto victory.
But that contest now feels like ancient history, especially with COVID-19 outbreaks, Russell Westbrook fight pose memes, and the Jokic brothers beef with the entire city of Miami all taking the NBA by storm during the time in between. Tonight though, these two squads clash once again, drawing box-office level attention.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns are favored with a -6.0 point spread. Their moneyline odds are at -240, and the over/under is currently sitting at 218.5 points.
With the Suns successfully bringing back Devin Booker on Sunday night, they appear locked and loaded for this matchup. On the other hand though, the Lakers just lost Anthony Davis due to an MCL sprain, putting themselves in a completely opposite situation.
Having considered all this, it makes sense for Vegas to give Phoenix the nod here, also as the home team and with the NBA’s best record to begin with.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Lineups
Booker’s return also means the Suns go back to their opening night lineup. Given his stellar play lately, Cameron Payne might earn some increased run off the bench, but regardless, expect a familiar starting five to first take the floor tonight.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
During their first game without Davis, the Lakers threw together a starting five with scotch tape and glue sticks, even including Isaiah Thomas, who they just signed a few days ago. LA ended up digging deep into their bench and eventually losing the game, but with so few options right now, they have no choice but to roll with it once again.
- PG: Russell Westbrook
- SG: Isaiah Thomas
- SF: Wayne Ellington
- PF: LeBron James
- C: DeAndre Jordan
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
It might feel easier to joke along with everyone and call him “Westbrick” rather than admitting this, but the fact is, Brodie and the Lakers have played much better over the past few weeks.
LA’s efficiency marks no longer dwell toward the league’s basement, even earning the fifth best net rating in their last 10 games. They once struggled exponentially with their floor spacing as well, but also in their last 10, the Lakers find themselves shooting 36.6 percent from deep—the 11th best mark league-wide.
But even with all that, the Suns still represent the better team. At the defensive end, the Lakers looked abysmal without Davis the other night. At this point in his career, a wet piece of newspaper could play better defense than DeAndre Jordan, so watch for Ayton to eat him up.
Only a monster performance from LeBron makes this game winnable for the Lake Show, but with Mikal Bridges, the Suns own a solid chance to spoil this next coronation ceremony for the King.
From a plus/minus standpoint, LeBron experienced his fourth worst game this season against the Suns—where Bridges played phenomenally as his primary defender. He also put up his sixth worth field goal percentage in that game, and finished with his fourth most turnovers.
All signs point to the Suns earning their 25th win tonight, maintaining their place atop the league by taking down the Lakers and covering the spread.
Final: Phoenix Suns 105, Los Angeles Lakers 97
Phoenix Suns Up Next
After this bout with Los Angeles, the Suns host the Oklahoma City Thunder two days later. Coming right before Phoenix’s Christmas Day battle with the Golden State Warriors, this contest looks like something of a tune-up game for the team.
But even with their less intimidating 10-19 record, the Thunder might lay a few traps for the Suns. Without much to lose, they often play free and easy, throwing up 37.5 3-point attempts per game. But as long as Phoenix stays focused, they should coast past them without much resistance.