{"id":472691,"date":"2025-12-14T09:51:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T09:51:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/472691\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T09:51:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T09:51:14","slug":"lakers-vs-suns-preview-how-will-l-a-address-its-flaws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/472691\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers vs. Suns preview: How will L.A. address its flaws?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After being eliminated from the NBA Cup<\/a> last Wednesday, the Lakers (17-7) are back at it on the road where they will play their next four games. The first game of the trip will be against the Phoenix Suns (14-11), who Los Angeles aims to get back at after they were blown out at home earlier this month<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Start time and TV schedule<\/p>\n

Who:\u00a0Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>\u00a0vs. Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n

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When:\u00a05 p.m. PT, Dec. 14<\/p>\n

Where: Mortgage Matchup Center<\/p>\n

Watch:\u00a0Spectrum Sportsnet<\/p>\n

The Lakers\u2019 most recent loss to San Antonio Spurs turned out to be disappointing in more ways than one. Not only did they come out with no fighting spirit, but their flaws were greatly exposed once again in a very loud manner. It was the type of loss that would make you thank the heavens for the three-day break that followed.<\/p>\n

By now, it\u2019s clear that the Lakers\u2019 defense has been their most glaring problem. They don\u2019t have the size, speed and athleticism to stop their opponents nor can they pressure defenders to keep them away from the rim. They struggle against opponents who have centers that can stretch the floor as well as those who have dynamic and speedy guards leading their offense. It\u2019s such a concern that it was what JJ Redick and a handful of players were asked about over the last three days.<\/p>\n

Now, there may or may not be a solution to fix the Lakers\u2019 defensive struggles. How do they bake a cake if they don\u2019t have the ingredients necessary? Will playing with more focus and energy really be enough? Or is the only solution to retool the roster? Regardless of what it may be, their opponents are going to keep exposing them defensively and that will be no different when they face the Suns on Sunday.<\/p>\n

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In the first meeting between these two teams<\/a>, Dillon Brooks stole the spotlight<\/a> after running Luka Don\u010di\u0107, LeBron James and Austin Reaves off the floor. Granted, the Lakers were on the second night of a back-to-back at that time but still, there was no reason to let Brooks score 33 points as well as allow undrafted guard Collin Gillespie to put up 28 points. Again, the Lakers\u2019 perimeter defense was a no-show.<\/p>\n

Usually, when it comes to facing teams like the Suns, the Lakers\u2019 best bet is to let their juggernaut offense cover their defensive flaws. It\u2019s not the most sustainable strategy, but it has worked for them on a handful of occasions. That\u2019s something they have to do once again on Sunday.<\/p>\n

It\u2019ll be ideal to get a bounce back game from Don\u010di\u0107 and James, both of whom didn\u2019t play well versus the Spurs. With Reaves expected to miss some time<\/a>, there needs to be an x-factor and the likeliest candidates are Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura or Marcus Smart.<\/p>\n

Remember, this Suns team may not have the best record but they\u2019re certainly capable of beating every opponent. The advanced stats point out that they\u2019re a mediocre team but their defense can turn up anytime, just like it did against the Lakers in their first meeting. Expect them to come out even stronger at home, especially if Devin Booker \u2014 who is now listed as questionable for this one \u2014 suits up.<\/p>\n

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Let\u2019s see whether or not the Lakers can handle the Suns on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Notes and Updates<\/p>\n

Before we get to the injury report, it\u2019s important to point out that this is a game between two teams in the same division, which means wins are extra crucial. Currently, the Suns lead the Lakers (1-0) in their matchup, which is why it would be nice for the purple and gold to get them back.<\/p>\n

At least we know that the Lakers have been a tremendous road team this season as they\u2019re 10-3 in away games.<\/p>\n

Now for the injury report, Maxi Kleber (lumbar muscle strain) and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) are out. Bronny James is with the South Bay Lakers.<\/p>\n

As for the Suns, Devin Booker (right groin strain) and Dillon Brooks (left Achilles soreness) are questionable. Meanwhile, Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Isaiah Livers (hip strain) remain out.<\/p>\n

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at\u00a0@nicoleganglani<\/a>.<\/p>\n