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After a heartbreaking loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers will square off against the Phoenix Suns who became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention.
Match Details
When: March 2nd, 9 pm ET
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
The Los Angeles Lakers' Perspective
The LeBron James led Lakers have failed to meet the expectations this year and their recent run of form sums up their entire season. They have won only 2 out of their last 5 games with impressive wins over the Rockets and Pelicans but lost to a team like Memphis which looks like it's tanking. The Lakers are currently placed 10th in the Western Conference.
The addition of Reggie Bullock has solved the shooting crisis in the team to an extent and young players like Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram have come up big in the last few games. Where the Lakers are really struggling is the defensive end of the floor. Lakers are also missing their key player in point guard Lonzo Ball who is currently out with injury. Their defensive rating has collapsed ever since Zo has been ruled out.
A win against the Suns is crucial not only for Lakers' Playoff hopes but also for rebuilding team chemistry.
The Los Angeles Lakers' Predicted Starting Lineup
Rajon Rondo (G), Reggie Bullock (G), Brandon Ingram (F), LeBron James (F), Kyle Kuzma (C)
The Phoenix Suns' Perspective
Phoenix Suns have won only 12 games so far this season and currently placed last in the Western Conference. The last 18 out of 19 games have ended in defeat. They snapped their 17 games losing streak against the Heat but lost against the Pelicans in their last game.
Devin Booker is one of the few players looking good in the Suns team with averages of 24.6 ppg and team-high 6.8 apg. He is followed by TJ Warren with 18 ppg and 4 rpg.
The Phoenix Suns' Predicted Started Lineup
Tyler Johnson (G), Devin Booker (G), Dragan Bender (F), Kelly Oubre Jr. (F), DeAndre Ayton (C)
How things might unfold
This one looks pretty straight forward to call - the Lakers should be able to deal with the Suns with ease. Team chemistry has been the issue for the Lakers after LeBron James publically tried to recruit Anthony Davis knowing that a lot of young players will have to be traded. There are flashes of excellence from all the Lakers' players but they just cannot end the games on a positive note. Having said that, the Suns have the worst record in the League and the Lakers should get a big win to boost their morale.
Prediction
The Los Angles Lakers to beat the Phoenix Suns.
Guess the Lakers players!
