Los Angeles Lakers (51–29) vs. Phoenix Suns (36–46) | Game 81 of 82
WHERE TO WATCH AND WHAT TIME
Date: Friday, April 10
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, California
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
GAME PREVIEW
The Lakers finally got back in the win column to start April, taking down the Warriors in San Francisco behind a vintage performance from LeBron James.
James led the team across the board with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists, flirting with a triple-double while delivering key moments late to secure the win.
The victory snapped a three-game skid and pushed L.A. to 51–29, keeping them at No. 4 in the Western Conference with two games remaining.
The Lakers remain shorthanded in the backcourt, with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves still sidelined. Jaxson Hayes will also remain out as he continues to deal with a foot injury.
WHERE THEY STAND
The Lakers (51–29) sit No. 4 in the Western Conference.
With a loss to Phoenix and a Rockets win over the Timberwolves, L.A. could fall to No. 5 heading into the final game of the regular season.
QUICK OPPONENT RUNDOWN
The Suns (36–46) have officially been eliminated from playoff contention but are still playing competitive basketball late in the season.
Phoenix is coming off a four-point win over Dallas on Wednesday, with Devin Booker leading the way with 37 points.
The Suns have won two of their last five games and continue to rely heavily on Booker, who leads the team in scoring at 26.1 points per game in 64 appearances. Dillon Brooks ranks second on the team with 20.3 points per game in 55 games.
Despite their record, Phoenix ranks 17th in the league in offensive rating (114.3) and 10th in defensive rating (113.0), showing more balance than their standing suggests.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Containing Devin Booker — and limiting extra possessions.
Booker remains one of the league’s elite scorers, and his ability to create offense at all three levels could pose a significant challenge for a Lakers team already thin in the backcourt.
With Dončić and Reaves sidelined, L.A.’s perimeter defense is undermanned, putting added pressure on their remaining guards to contain Booker and limit his impact.
Beyond Booker, the Lakers must take care of the ball and finish defensive possessions. The Suns rank 4th in points off turnovers (20.2), meaning sloppy play could quickly snowball into easy offense and put L.A. in an early hole.
Phoenix also ranks 7th in second-chance points (16.2), making rebounding and effort plays another key area the Lakers must clean up to avoid giving away extra opportunities.
NOTABLE OPPONENT RANKS AMONG THE NBA
The Suns' current ranking:
17th (114.3) in offensive rating
10th (113.0) in defensive rating
Other rankings:
PTS — 25th (112.8)
FG% — 28th (45.5%)
3PM — 5th (14.8)
3P% — 11th (36.2%)
ASTS — 27th (24.7)
STLs — 4th (9.6)
SEASON SERIES
Game 1 — Suns 125–108 win at L.A. (Dec. 1)
Game 2 — Lakers 116–114 win at Phoenix (Dec. 14)
Game 3 — Suns 132–108 win at Phoenix (Dec. 23)
Game 4 — Suns 113–110 win at Phoenix (Feb. 26)
Phoenix leads the season series 3–1. The Lakers will look to avoid a 1–4 finish against the Suns this season.
INJURY REPORT
Lakers:
Jaxson Hayes (foot): Out
Luka Dončić (Grade 2 left hamstring strain): Out
Austin Reaves (oblique): Out
Suns:
Jalen Green (knee): Questionable
THREADS FOR THE GAME
The Lakers will wear their black “California Dream” jerseys at home, while the Suns will wear their white Association Edition uniforms.
NEXT MATCHUP
The Lakers will close out the regular season on Sunday at home against the Utah Jazz.