The Los Angeles Lakers had no reply for the Phoenix Suns on Monday evening, dropping 125-108 on the Crypto.com Enviornment.
The Lakers have been taking part in on the second evening of a back-to-back, however they have been nonetheless anticipated to win.
Solely Luka Doncic (38 factors) and Dalton Knecht (13 pts) met their typical requirements, as many appeared fully out of types.
Doncic’s factors tally was solely equaled by the opposite 4 starters mixed (Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton).
NBA legend Tracy McGrady watched the sport intently, and his evaluation advised the Suns discovered easy methods to beat the Lakers.
- READ MORE: Pelicans coach James Borrego on what he talked about with Rob Pelinka throughout LA Lakers interviews
The Lakers’ massive three (Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James) are arguably one of the best within the league and supply way more professionals than cons.
Nevertheless, McGrady observed a problem with the celebrity trio that the Suns exploited in Monday’s sport.
He defined that Jordan Ott’s high-intensity Suns offense wore the Lakers out and made them much less efficient offensively.
“That’s my concern as a result of I wasn’t speaking about Phoenix’s tempo as a result of the Lakers performed final evening,” T-Mac mentioned on NBA on NBC.
“That was a part of it, however I’m saying, as a result of you’ve got Austin Reaves, Luka, and LeBron James… These three guys, if these are your predominant guys, will not be recognized for being nice defenders.
“So get out and run. Make them play protection to put on them out as a result of in case you don’t put on them out on the defensive finish, offensively, they simply rating too many factors.
“The Lakers had 22 turnovers on this sport. It was 28-2 in fast-break factors. The Suns’ benefit was 16 to 1 within the steals division. That’s whole domination in all of these coronary heart and hustle classes.”
Do the LA Lakers have one of the best backcourt within the NBA?
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the 4th duo in 50 years to every document 30+ factors in 3 straight video games!
How far can this duo take the Lakers?
- Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves (Lakers, 2025)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Bucks, 2023)
- Monta Ellis and Corey Maggette (Warriors, 2010)
- George Gervin and Mike Mitchell (Spurs, 1984)
Brian Scalabrine, who analyzed the sport alongside McGrady, recognized one thing else that hinders the Lakers.
LeBron James was anticipated to have an enormous evening towards the Suns after sitting out the Lakers’ victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
As an alternative, James barely reached double figures (10 pts) and proved to Scalabrine that he’s now not able to dominating a sport.
“So, most likely not one of the best group when you concentrate on taking part in Phoenix on a back-to-back,” he added. “However right here’s the factor that stands out to me: perhaps LeBron James is now not the man who can simply carry a group to a win anymore.
“He didn’t play final evening. So, you assume, ‘Alright, LeBron’s going to come back in, and he’s going to be rested. We will lean on him.’ And tonight, I didn’t really feel like they may lean on him. It didn’t really feel like he might will this sport.
“He simply obtained 10 factors. It does really feel just like the passing of a torch. I do know we have been seeing it earlier than. He was simply getting back from damage, however tonight was an evening the place I assumed that he would have the ability to carry this group, and he simply wasn’t capable of do it.”
Be part of the controversy; share your perception. Use the remark button on the underside left to have your say