The Los Angeles Lakers were looking to start this tough week with a win against an undermanned Phoenix Suns squad. But, with the entire Sun’s starting five scoring 18+ points, the Lakers’ efforts ended in vain. Even with LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis scoring 20+ points, it wasn’t enough for many reasons.
Los Angeles Lakers Rebounding Failures
Jusuf Nurkic was having his way in the paint this game, bullying Anthony Davis. Nurkic ended the game with 22 rebounds, seven of which were offensive. The offensive rebounding by the Phoenix Suns was the determining factor in the win. They had 22 second-chance points and 51 total rebounds. In comparison, the Los Angeles Lakers ended the night with three total offensive rebounds and only 34 rebounds.
Many Suns players stepped up when needed as well. Bol Bol came off the bench and provided 11 points and some great plays, including a monster dunk. Once again, Grayson Allen proved why he is one of the best shooters in the league, making six threes to match Royce O’Neale. Royce was the best offensive player on the court, scoring 20 points and being a +22 on the court. It was clear that the Lakers did not put enough effort into the rebounding and defensive categories this game.
Free Throws and Officiating Inconsistencies
Anthony Davis shot zero free throws against the Suns on Sunday. It was the first time in Davis’ career that he played 40 or more minutes with zero free throw attempts in a game. The Los Angeles Lakers made eight free throws in total. This ties the fewest attempts for the team since LeBron signed with the Lakers in 2018. The Phoenix Suns shot 19 free throws, for comparison. Regardless, L.A. averages 24.7 free throws per game, which is the sixth most in the NBA, so it was incredibly surprising to see them shoot so little.
When asked in a post-game interview about the free throw disparity, LeBron James simply laughed. Meanwhile, Darwin Ham had some choice words about the officiating:
“I’m not one to use referees as an excuse, but it’s becoming increasingly tough because of the inconsistency. I’m seeing our guys get the same contact on them as we’re supposedly committing. And the whistle is not being blown. That’s something we focus on, trying to win the free throw line every game, and so that’s tough. I’m telling my guys to drive downhill; we’re trying to love and live in the paint. And you’re not getting calls. I see guys with their hands in our guys’ ribs or swinging, swiping at their heads, trying to block the shot but not getting the ball, but getting a piece of the body. And it’s not being called, as simple as that.”
The Lakers will look to bounce back from a frustrating loss against their Los Angeles rivals, the Clippers, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns will have Bradley Beal return on Thursday against the Houston Rockets.
