Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have faced their struggles this season, but it seems they don't see the Suns as a threat. They've dominated Phoenix in three of their four regular-season meetings. Los Angeles' recent win over Durant and company came from their controversial quarter-final game in the In-Season Tournament.
Although they have an aging LeBron James on their team, that doesn't mean the Suns can disregard him. In his 21st season, he's done an exceptional job leading the Lakers to potentially another title. James has dominated whenever they play against the Arizona team.
Throughout their first three matchups, the four-time MVP has averaged 28 points, nine rebounds and 8.7 assists. All-Star big man Anthony Davis has also performed well against Phoenix. He's averaged 25 points, 12.7 rebounds and two blocks.
The Suns are shooting 52% from the field, 47% from 3, 15/19 from the FT line
— RB (@RyB_311) December 6, 2023
Lakers are shooting 38% from the field, 29% from 3, 16/19 from the FT line
The Lakers are still winning
They’ve take TWENTY FIVE more shots than the Suns
The Lakers anchor the ninth-best defense this season, while the Suns have struggled to crack the top 15. Their defense has caused considerable problems for their West rivals.
The irony lies in their shooting percentage, as the Suns have shot better on the floor this season in their head-to-head battles. They've knocked down 45.2 percent of their field goals, while the other team has only shot 43 percent. In the three-point department, the Lakers have made 30.2 percent of their threes. Phoenix, on the other hand, has shot 38.7 percent.
Booker and the others have an important task to figure out their rival's defense in case they match up against each other in the postseason. They have one game left against each other this season, and hopefully, all the stars are ready to win at least one this season.