LeBron Leads Lakers to Victory Over Suns, Chases No. 3 Playoff Seed
LeBron leads the Lakers in a dominant win over the Suns while chasing the No. 3 playoff seed. The Lakers beat Phoenix 101-73 at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. James finished with 28 points, 12 assists and six rebounds.
Game recap
The Suns were shorthanded. Devin Booker, Jordan Goodwin and Jalen Green did not play. Los Angeles raced ahead early and never looked back.
James shot 10 of 16 from the field and 2 of 2 from three. Luke Kennard set up the dunk that electrified the crowd. The Suns called timeout with 4:53 left in the first quarter.
LeBron’s role and recent form
James returned to primary ball-handling duties after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He had been a third option before the shift. Over the past three games he has averaged 28 points, 12.6 assists and 7.7 rebounds.
During that span he shot 60 percent from the field. His three-point shooting sat at 46 percent.
Playoff implications
The win guaranteed the Lakers at least the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. Los Angeles improved to 52-29. They can still claim the No. 3 seed by beating the Utah Jazz at home Sunday and if the Denver Nuggets lose in San Antonio.
The Nuggets entered at 53-28. Because the Lakers hold the tiebreaker, identical records would give Los Angeles the higher seed. Home court is assured in the first round, whether the Lakers face Minnesota or Houston.
Coaching and locker-room notes
Coach JJ Redick said opponents are eyeing the Lakers because of their injuries. He added that Doncic and Reaves are not expected back for the first round. Redick urged his team to find the right formula and belief for postseason success.
Kennard stepped into the lead-point guard role. He scored 19 points and added three assists. He praised James’ leadership and said the group was finding a rhythm.
Injury updates and roster moves
- Jaxson Hayes missed his third straight game with left foot soreness. The team hopes he can return Sunday.
- Marcus Smart, out nine games with a bruised right ankle, played 18 minutes and scored six points.
- The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin and opened a roster spot. The front office is evaluating options ahead of the playoffs.
Filmogaz.com will monitor Sunday’s final regular-season games and playoff seeding developments. Updates will follow as the situation evolves.
