Los Angeles Lakers Struggle Again in Phoenix Showdown
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers were looking to turn things around after a rough patch, but unfortunately, their recent woes continued. Coach JJ Redickโs plan to shift focus back onto the process instead of just chasing results didnโt pan out this time around, as the Lakers fell to the Phoenix Suns 127-100 at the Footprint Center on Tuesday night. Yikes!
What Happened?
After losing two in a row, the Lakers had their work cut out for them, especially against the Suns, who have proven to be a solid team in the West. The game started with some hope, with Anthony Davis leading the charge, racking up an impressive 25 points and 15 rebounds. LeBron James chipped in with 18 points and 10 assists, although he had a bit of trouble with turnovers โ five, to be exact. DโAngelo Russell also made a splash off the bench, scoring 16 points in his first game back in double figures since mid-November. But despite these efforts, the Lakers couldnโt keep up and now find themselves grappling with a three-game losing streak.
Defensive Struggles Shine Again
Before the game, Redick had emphasized the importance of being physical and playing defense, especially after their last game where they faltered in the third quarter against Denver. Sadly, the Lakersโ defensive performance didnโt match up to the talk. In the second half, they were completely outclassed, with a particularly rough third quarter where they only scored 18 points while allowing the Suns to explode for 36 points.
โIt was a tough night,โ Redick said, trying to stay optimistic, but it was hard to see the bright side when they allowed the Suns to soar to a combined 60.9% shooting percentage in the third quarter alone. Davis noted that the teamโs communication on defense was โlax,โ which allowed Phoenix to grab open shots and easy dunks. โOnce again we just didnโt score in the third quarter,โ he expressed. The frustration was palpable as the Lakers found themselves continually scrambling on defense, unable to regain their footing.
Building towards the Future?
Looking ahead, the Lakers are faced with a critical matchup on Friday against Oklahoma City, where theyโll need a win to even have a shot at the knockout stages of the NBA Cup. They may also need some luck, with the Suns facing the San Antonio Spurs and requiring a loss on their end. Itโs an uphill battle, and star guard Austin Reaves shared the reality of the situation: โIn the moment, it sucks because who wants to even think about the big picture?โ Itโs tough to keep the perspective when youโre in the thick of a challenging season.
Is There Hope?
Amidst the struggles, Davis believes a middle-ground improvement on defense could change their trajectory. โWe should be able to get to the middle of the pack and that can change a lot for us,โ he observed. But first, theyโll have to tackle significant issues like transition defense and staying strong on the boards. Coach Redick acknowledged that they might need to rethink some strategic elements, particularly against high-caliber offensive teams like Phoenix.
A Tough Road Ahead
The Lakers will need to dig deep and find that fire if they want to overcome their challenges. With games coming in quick succession, each one counts for the future of this team. As they face the Spurs, the hope is they can recapture that competitive spirit they showed early on this season alongside a committed defensive effort. โWe gotta get better at that part of it,โ Davis concluded.
So the Lakers fans, while the results right now might feel pretty bleak, itโs all about sticking together and believing in the process. Hopefully, they regain their rhythm and show the heart that helped them win early in the season. Onward and upward, Los Angeles!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
