Luka Doncic sat at the postgame press conference table, visibly upset as he flipped over the box score. The Lakers’ impressive seven-game winning streak came to an end Monday with a 125-108 defeat against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena. Despite Doncic’s continued scoring spree of 38 points and 11 rebounds, the loss highlighted the Lakers’ major issue: turnovers. Doncic himself committed nine turnovers, and the team tallied 22 total, allowing the Suns to convert those mistakes into 32 points. The Lakers struggled defensively in the mid-range against Phoenix’s fast-paced offense, which shot 57% from the field. LeBron James, who missed the start of the home series to treat a left foot injury, remained largely quiet throughout the game.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer only began to show his impact in the fourth quarter. His streak of scoring double digits in 18 consecutive seasons was in question until he nailed a step-back jumper late in the game, securing his 10 points in his 1,297th consecutive game. This moment was a rare highlight in a second half where the Lakers appeared disorganized and outmatched.
Lakers coach J.J. Reddick described the situation as “like the Monsters taking over the guys you grew up coaching,” pointing to a lack of their usual performance. He speculated that the compressed schedule of three games in four days might have caused “brain fog.” Basic defensive lapses, such as failing to navigate screens against Phoenix’s sharp 3-point shooters, were noticeable. Suns player Collin Gillespie shined with four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, finishing with 28 points. Dillon Brooks led the Suns despite missing star guard Devin Booker, delivering 33 points with ease.
Booker was ejected early due to a right groin injury and did not return, yet the Suns controlled the game pace, closing the second quarter with a 19-4 run and holding a 14-point halftime lead. Brooks alone scored 23 points in the first half. Although Doncic scored 20 points in the first quarter for the second straight game, his efforts were not enough. Unlike other teams that put extra defenders on Doncic, the Suns allowed him space but used center Mark Williams’ reach to block him effectively in the paint.
Doncic took accountability for the team’s offensive struggles and turnovers, calling the situation “confused.” Lakers guard Austin Reaves echoed his sentiment, noting the team’s poor energy and execution during the game. Phoenix, leading the league in steals, forced 12 turnovers in just the first half and capitalized with 17 points, including a 16-0 run in fast break points.
The Lakers also missed the defensive presence of Marcus Smart, who remained out with a back injury. Coach Reddick is hopeful that Smart’s absence will be temporary since his tests appeared “unremarkable” and he looked like a typical veteran despite the setback.
As the Lakers prepare for a tough East Coast trip playing Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia—all teams with winning records—the loss serves as a potential wake-up call. Center Deandre Ayton remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team is not down for the count despite the setback.
Fan Take: This game highlights how crucial defense and ball control are, even when you have star players like Doncic and LeBron. For basketball fans, it’s a reminder that teamwork and consistency often decide the outcome, not just individual brilliance, signaling the need for the Lakers to tighten up if they want to contend seriously this season.
