Jovan Buha: Final: Lakers 107, Suns 96 LA snaps its 4-game losing streak to improve to 41-25. They remain No. 5 in the West. Luka Doncic had 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Austin Reaves had 28/4/6. Jaxson Hayes had 19 points and 6 rebounds in his return. Up next: vs. SAS tomorrow.
Source: x.com
Source: x.com
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
With all due respect-did I just hear Richard Jefferson say on National TV that the “Jury is still out whether the Suns made the right call taking Deandre Ayton over Luka Doncic.…..Seriously? Ayton isn’t even with the Suns. I’m hoping RJ was sarcastic. – 5:32 PM
With all due respect-did I just hear Richard Jefferson say on National TV that the “Jury is still out whether the Suns made the right call taking Deandre Ayton over Luka Doncic.…..Seriously? Ayton isn’t even with the Suns. I’m hoping RJ was sarcastic. – 5:32 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: LAL 83, PHX 71
Durant: 19 Pts, 7 Reb, 5-14 FG, 7-10 FT
Booker: 13 Pts, 8 Ast, 4-10 FG
Richards: 11 Pts, 6 Reb, 5-5 FG
Doncic: 28 Pts, 8 Ast, 8 Reb, 6-15 FG, 12-13 FT – 5:31 PM
End of 1Q: LAL 83, PHX 71
Durant: 19 Pts, 7 Reb, 5-14 FG, 7-10 FT
Booker: 13 Pts, 8 Ast, 4-10 FG
Richards: 11 Pts, 6 Reb, 5-5 FG
Doncic: 28 Pts, 8 Ast, 8 Reb, 6-15 FG, 12-13 FT – 5:31 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Doncic (28 points, 8 boards, 8 assists), Reaves (18 points, 5 assists, 3 boards) and Hayes (19 points, 4 boards) have the Lakers up 83-71 with 12 minutes to play. – 5:30 PM
Doncic (28 points, 8 boards, 8 assists), Reaves (18 points, 5 assists, 3 boards) and Hayes (19 points, 4 boards) have the Lakers up 83-71 with 12 minutes to play. – 5:30 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Luka tied the Suns’ big three by himself in the 1st half
pic.x.com/O9a0ZLWnc4 – 5:01 PM
Luka tied the Suns’ big three by himself in the 1st half
pic.x.com/O9a0ZLWnc4 – 5:01 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Lakers limited PHX to just 37 points in the 1st half, with the Suns converting only 2 of 18 3’s, and 36.4% overall from the field.
Doncic and Reaves combined for 30 points, and Doncic added 6 assists. – 4:55 PM
The Lakers limited PHX to just 37 points in the 1st half, with the Suns converting only 2 of 18 3’s, and 36.4% overall from the field.
Doncic and Reaves combined for 30 points, and Doncic added 6 assists. – 4:55 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
A small area Jaxson Hayes has notably improved at since Luka’s addition is the roll-and-seal technique bigs use when they read that the ball-handler wants to attack the rim.
This was a JaVale McGee staple for LeBron back in the day. It’s a quick read but very valuable. – 4:46 PM
A small area Jaxson Hayes has notably improved at since Luka’s addition is the roll-and-seal technique bigs use when they read that the ball-handler wants to attack the rim.
This was a JaVale McGee staple for LeBron back in the day. It’s a quick read but very valuable. – 4:46 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Lakers really missed Jaxson Hayes during their 4-game road trip, as JJ Redick detailed, with Hayes dealing with his knee contusion.
As the lob threat for Doncic, Hayes had 13 points in the 1st half today, and his length and athleticism on D helping limit PHX to 37 points. – 4:41 PM
The Lakers really missed Jaxson Hayes during their 4-game road trip, as JJ Redick detailed, with Hayes dealing with his knee contusion.
As the lob threat for Doncic, Hayes had 13 points in the 1st half today, and his length and athleticism on D helping limit PHX to 37 points. – 4:41 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
The Lakers take a 54-37 lead into the half. Luka 17p 6a 4r. Kevin Durant is 1-for-9 for PHX. – 4:41 PM
The Lakers take a 54-37 lead into the half. Luka 17p 6a 4r. Kevin Durant is 1-for-9 for PHX. – 4:41 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: LAL 54, PHX 37
Booker: 9 Pts, 4-9 FG, 0-2 3P
Durant: 4 Pts, 4 Reb, 1-9 FG, 0-4 3P
Beal: 4 Pts, 2-6 FG, 0-2 3P
Doncic: 17 Pts, 6 Ast, 4 Reb, 4-8 FG, 3-6 3P
Suns are 2-for-18 from 3 – 4:40 PM
Halftime: LAL 54, PHX 37
Booker: 9 Pts, 4-9 FG, 0-2 3P
Durant: 4 Pts, 4 Reb, 1-9 FG, 0-4 3P
Beal: 4 Pts, 2-6 FG, 0-2 3P
Doncic: 17 Pts, 6 Ast, 4 Reb, 4-8 FG, 3-6 3P
Suns are 2-for-18 from 3 – 4:40 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Luka Doncic is getting the Lakers terrific shots, either for himself or for teammates, and has 17 points with 6 assists with 1:22 left in the 1st half, the Lakers leading 53-35. – 4:37 PM
Luka Doncic is getting the Lakers terrific shots, either for himself or for teammates, and has 17 points with 6 assists with 1:22 left in the 1st half, the Lakers leading 53-35. – 4:37 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Doncic drive, finish, 17 points.
Suns down 51-35 as Booker has 9.
Suns 15-of-39 FGs (2-of-16 on 3s) #Suns #LakeShow – 4:37 PM
Doncic drive, finish, 17 points.
Suns down 51-35 as Booker has 9.
Suns 15-of-39 FGs (2-of-16 on 3s) #Suns #LakeShow – 4:37 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The only redeeming moment of this game so far was Richard Jefferson referring to Austin Reaves as “lemon daddy” – 4:34 PM
The only redeeming moment of this game so far was Richard Jefferson referring to Austin Reaves as “lemon daddy” – 4:34 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Luka Doncic lob to Jaxson Hayes.
Suns down 41-28. #Suns #LakeShow pic.x.com/zYhOcYqBdp – 4:25 PM
Luka Doncic lob to Jaxson Hayes.
Suns down 41-28. #Suns #LakeShow pic.x.com/zYhOcYqBdp – 4:25 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns on a 10-0 run to pull back within 10. Dominating the non-Luka minutes here is a must given how this game started – 4:18 PM
Suns on a 10-0 run to pull back within 10. Dominating the non-Luka minutes here is a must given how this game started – 4:18 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ighodaro checks in. Playing 3 bigs again.
Suns down 31-15 after one.
Doncic scored 13 in the first quarter on 3-of-6 FGs (3-of-5 from 3). Doncic has 3 assists.
Phoenix 6-of-22 FGs (1-of-11 from 3). Suns as a team has 3 assists. #Suns #LakeShow – 4:12 PM
Ighodaro checks in. Playing 3 bigs again.
Suns down 31-15 after one.
Doncic scored 13 in the first quarter on 3-of-6 FGs (3-of-5 from 3). Doncic has 3 assists.
Phoenix 6-of-22 FGs (1-of-11 from 3). Suns as a team has 3 assists. #Suns #LakeShow – 4:12 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: LAL 31, PHX 15
Durant: 4 Pts, 4 Reb, 1-6 FG
Dunn: 3 Pts, 1-2 3P
Booker: 2 Pts, 1-3 FG
Beal: 2 Pts, 1-4 FG
Doncic: 13 Pts, 3 Ast, 3-5 3P – 4:11 PM
End of 1Q: LAL 31, PHX 15
Durant: 4 Pts, 4 Reb, 1-6 FG
Dunn: 3 Pts, 1-2 3P
Booker: 2 Pts, 1-3 FG
Beal: 2 Pts, 1-4 FG
Doncic: 13 Pts, 3 Ast, 3-5 3P – 4:11 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Impressive 1st Q for the Lakers with the early tip-off after a long road trip: They lead 31-15 over the Suns. Luka Doncic 13p 3a; Hayes 8p 2r. PHX shot 6-for-22 (1-for-11 from 3). – 4:10 PM
Impressive 1st Q for the Lakers with the early tip-off after a long road trip: They lead 31-15 over the Suns. Luka Doncic 13p 3a; Hayes 8p 2r. PHX shot 6-for-22 (1-for-11 from 3). – 4:10 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Timeout Suns after Doncic 3.
Suns 5-of-17 FGs (1-of-8 from 3). Down 25-11 with 2:33 left in 1st.
Lakers started 7-0. Now on 17-2 run. Doncic 10 points in the first quarter.
Booker, Durant and Beal combined 6 points (2 each). Dunn Suns leading scorer with 3. #Suns #LakeShow – 4:05 PM
Timeout Suns after Doncic 3.
Suns 5-of-17 FGs (1-of-8 from 3). Down 25-11 with 2:33 left in 1st.
Lakers started 7-0. Now on 17-2 run. Doncic 10 points in the first quarter.
Booker, Durant and Beal combined 6 points (2 each). Dunn Suns leading scorer with 3. #Suns #LakeShow – 4:05 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
….probably shouldn’t leave Luka Doncic that wide open. Idk. Transition defense (and just defense in general) shouldn’t rely this heavily on a rookie to be competent – 4:04 PM
….probably shouldn’t leave Luka Doncic that wide open. Idk. Transition defense (and just defense in general) shouldn’t rely this heavily on a rookie to be competent – 4:04 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns fail to match up off the Lakers walking the ball up the floor.
They lost Luka Doncic.
Suns down 14. – 4:04 PM
Suns fail to match up off the Lakers walking the ball up the floor.
They lost Luka Doncic.
Suns down 14. – 4:04 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Luka Doncic Phoenix Suns
Making bigs like Jaxson Hayes
look like stars – 3:56 PM
Luka Doncic Phoenix Suns
Making bigs like Jaxson Hayes
look like stars – 3:56 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Luka Doncic debuted a new Luka 4 during warmups pic.x.com/nkHvzcYVrC – 3:51 PM
Luka Doncic debuted a new Luka 4 during warmups
pic.x.com/nkHvzcYVrC – 3:51 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Points since the trade deadline:
339 — Luka Doncic
318 — Quentin Grimes
293 — Mavs’ leading scorer pic.x.com/rTFVpn1GhM – 3:22 PM
Points since the trade deadline:
339 — Luka Doncic
318 — Quentin Grimes
293 — Mavs’ leading scorer pic.x.com/rTFVpn1GhM – 3:22 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said he thinks Lakers guard Austin Reaves is “one of the most underappreciated guys in the league.”
Averaging 21.3 points on 56.4% shooting (54.5% from 3) in three games against Phoenix this season. #Suns #LakeShow pic.x.com/UNnCfZ8sGk – 3:11 PM
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said he thinks Lakers guard Austin Reaves is “one of the most underappreciated guys in the league.”
Averaging 21.3 points on 56.4% shooting (54.5% from 3) in three games against Phoenix this season. #Suns #LakeShow pic.x.com/UNnCfZ8sGk – 3:11 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Doncic, Reaves, and Hayes are in their typical starting spots, with Finney-Smith and Goodwin in place of LeBron and Hachimura. – 3:06 PM
Doncic, Reaves, and Hayes are in their typical starting spots, with Finney-Smith and Goodwin in place of LeBron and Hachimura. – 3:06 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Lakers starters vs. Phoenix: Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jaxson Hayes. – 3:04 PM
Lakers starters vs. Phoenix: Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jaxson Hayes. – 3:04 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Suns face the Lakers with Luka for the first time! We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk about it, whether the rookies will get minutes again and the need for this team to win consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 27:
youtube.com/watch?v=raw377… – 2:57 PM
The Suns face the Lakers with Luka for the first time! We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk about it, whether the rookies will get minutes again and the need for this team to win consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 27:
youtube.com/watch?v=raw377… – 2:57 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Nico did the Luka trade just to distract everyone from the Grimes trade. Genius. – 2:44 PM
Nico did the Luka trade just to distract everyone from the Grimes trade. Genius. – 2:44 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns at Lakers injury report update:
Luka Doncic (ankle), Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Jaxson Hayes (knee) and Gabe Vincent (knee) AVAILABLE. #Suns #LakeShow pic.x.com/Cit0ml4VwT – 1:43 PM
Suns at Lakers injury report update:
Luka Doncic (ankle), Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Jaxson Hayes (knee) and Gabe Vincent (knee) AVAILABLE. #Suns #LakeShow pic.x.com/Cit0ml4VwT – 1:43 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Lakers have upgraded Luka Dončić, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent to available vs. Phoenix.
Dalton Knecht remains probable. – 1:36 PM
Lakers have upgraded Luka Dončić, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent to available vs. Phoenix.
Dalton Knecht remains probable. – 1:36 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are all available against the Suns today, per the Lakers. Dalton Knecht remains probable. – 1:34 PM
Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are all available against the Suns today, per the Lakers. Dalton Knecht remains probable. – 1:34 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Lakers say Luka Dončić (right ankle sprain), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management), Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion) and Gabe Vincent (left knee injury management) have all been upgraded to available today against Phoenix.
More NBA: marcstein.substack.com – 1:33 PM
The Lakers say Luka Dončić (right ankle sprain), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management), Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion) and Gabe Vincent (left knee injury management) have all been upgraded to available today against Phoenix.
More NBA: marcstein.substack.com – 1:33 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are all available today vs. Phoenix, per the Lakers. – 1:31 PM
Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are all available today vs. Phoenix, per the Lakers. – 1:31 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Thunder beat the champs on the road and the Pistons on the road without JDub, Chet and Wiggins.
Nuggets get blown out at home, eke out a win at home vs the LeBron/Luka-less Lakers and lose to the Wizards at home.
So SGA is probably due a bump down the NBA MVP Ladder next week. – 11:27 PM
Thunder beat the champs on the road and the Pistons on the road without JDub, Chet and Wiggins.
Nuggets get blown out at home, eke out a win at home vs the LeBron/Luka-less Lakers and lose to the Wizards at home.
So SGA is probably due a bump down the NBA MVP Ladder next week. – 11:27 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Lakers say Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes and Dalton Knecht are probable for tomorrow vs. Phoenix.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are questionable.
LeBron James and Rui Hachimura remain out. pic.x.com/d3RcpejUUy – 8:05 PM
Lakers say Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes and Dalton Knecht are probable for tomorrow vs. Phoenix.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are questionable.
LeBron James and Rui Hachimura remain out. pic.x.com/d3RcpejUUy – 8:05 PM
Roland Lazenby @lazenby
‘They told me to go play, so I go play.’ Austin Reaves can carry the Lakers when asked latimes.com/sports/lakers/… – 11:14 AM
‘They told me to go play, so I go play.’ Austin Reaves can carry the Lakers when asked latimes.com/sports/lakers/… – 11:14 AM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Final: Nuggets 131, Lakers 126.
Russell Westbrook picked off Shake Milton’s inbound pass and dunked it to seal the victory for Denver.
Austin Reaves: 37 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds. Dalton Knecht: 32 points. Shake Milton: 16p/5r/3a. – 12:00 AM
Final: Nuggets 131, Lakers 126.
Russell Westbrook picked off Shake Milton’s inbound pass and dunked it to seal the victory for Denver.
Austin Reaves: 37 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds. Dalton Knecht: 32 points. Shake Milton: 16p/5r/3a. – 12:00 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Austin Reaves vs Denver:
37 PTS
8 REB
13 AST
4 STL
4 3P
Joins Magic and LeBron as the only Lakers to reach those numbers in a game. pic.x.com/B49ztJVNTS – 12:00 AM
Austin Reaves vs Denver:
37 PTS
8 REB
13 AST
4 STL
4 3P
Joins Magic and LeBron as the only Lakers to reach those numbers in a game. pic.x.com/B49ztJVNTS – 12:00 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Austin Reaves speaks about the spot the Lakers find themselves in, losers of three in a row, down three starters, and beginning a stretch of six games in eight days 0-1 after a blowout to the Bucks: “JJ [Redick] said when he walked in, ‘Everything was good a week ago’” pic.x.com/OTAf8A23l1 – 11:26 PM
Austin Reaves speaks about the spot the Lakers find themselves in, losers of three in a row, down three starters, and beginning a stretch of six games in eight days 0-1 after a blowout to the Bucks: “JJ [Redick] said when he walked in, ‘Everything was good a week ago’” pic.x.com/OTAf8A23l1 – 11:26 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Final: Bucks 126, Lakers 106.
LAL remains winless on the four-game trip, which wraps up tomorrow in Denver.
Luka Doncic: 45 points, 11 rebounds. Austin Reaves: 28p/8r/3a. – 10:01 PM
Final: Bucks 126, Lakers 106.
LAL remains winless on the four-game trip, which wraps up tomorrow in Denver.
Luka Doncic: 45 points, 11 rebounds. Austin Reaves: 28p/8r/3a. – 10:01 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Halftime: Bucks 71, Lakers 63.
Luka Doncic with 29 points. His most points scored as a Laker is 34. Austin Reaves with 13 points. – 8:42 PM
Halftime: Bucks 71, Lakers 63.
Luka Doncic with 29 points. His most points scored as a Laker is 34. Austin Reaves with 13 points. – 8:42 PM
More on this storyline
Dave McMenamin: Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are all available against the Suns today, per the Lakers. Dalton Knecht remains probable. -via x.com / March 16, 2025
David Mendez-Yapkowitz: From earlier today, the Lakers announced Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes and Dalton Knecht are all probable for tomorrow’s game against PHX. Dorian Finney-Smith(left ankle management) and Gabe Vincent(left ankle management) are questionable. LeBron James and Rui Hachimura remain out. -via x.com / March 16, 2025
“I definitely was blessed for what Coach Kidd and them put me through early on, Dallas giving me the ball and having me be able to be playmaker with the ball and off the ball whenever it was Kyrie starting or Luka was out or something like that,” Grimes told Sportskeeda. “It was kind of an early Indication — I didn’t expect it was going to happen here, but it definitely got me ready to get more comfortable with the ball once I got to here to Philly.” -via SportsKeeda / March 14, 2025
Mike Trudell: Suns coach Mike Budenholzer called Austin Reaves one of the more underrated players in the NBA, detailing his combination of “skill and force,” and “high-energy motor with a lot of skill.” -via Twitter @LakersReporter / March 16, 2025
“We went 0-4, so it’s a pretty bad trip,” Austin Reaves said. “But s—, JJ said a week ago, ‘Everybody’s, like, Lakers in five.’ We just don’t listen to any of it. We know when we’re fully healthy and got everybody on the team that we have a really good chance to beat anybody. I just see this group coming together, locking in on one common goal, and that’s to win. “I think (Friday was) the biggest testament to that. Very shorthanded and went and played a really good basketball team with, probably, the best player in the world and went toe-to-toe and had an opportunity to win it and just didn’t execute the last 50 seconds. I guess that’s what you take positive.” -via New York Times / March 15, 2025
Friday, James was courtside in Sacramento watching his son Bryce and Sierra Canyon win a state title while he recovers from a groin strain. Starters Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura were also not with the team because of knee injuries. Doncic, who scored 45 against the Bucks, didn’t play because of calf and ankle injury management. Key bench players Gabe Vincent (knee) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) also didn’t face the Nuggets. Reaves admitted all the absences left him wondering whether he should get one too, with only James having played more minutes for the Lakers this season. “They told me to go play, so I go play,” Reaves said afterward. -via Los Angeles Times / March 15, 2025
