LA Lakers, LeBron Defeat the Phoenix Suns, 117-107

In the closing game of Wednesday’s program, the Los Angeles Lakers obliterated Phoenix Suns, at first, but then had to get serious to post a 117-107 win. Staples Centre saw one-sided domination of the hosts who didn’t have any mercy towards the guests during the opening two quarters. However, they would slow down and allow the guests to reduce the gap to a bearable size, and even to endanger the win by closing the deficit to just 8 points.

The Lakers have roared into tonight’s contest dropping 43 points in the opening quarter and conceding just 17 on the other side. The hosts were 19-of-27 from the field, posting the most efficient first period this season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYOGa9yhL8c

At the halftime, the LAL was 60.8% from the field, forcing 12 turnovers, and leading 74-41. It was the highest lead for the purple and gold at the halftime, since February 19, 2008, when Lakers had a 36-point edge over the Hawks.

“I think it all started from me on the defensive end,” said Avery Bradley. “I was trying to be extremely intense, and trying to bring that energy for the entire team.”

Everybody believed that the game was decided already after the opening 12 minutes and the only thing that the fans at the Staples rooted about was LeBron James’ triple-double. Eventually, King James captured another one, his eighth this season. He would end the night with 31 buckets, 12 assists and 13 boards.

Yet, that wasn’t the case. Phoenix came back in the third period, outscoring the hosts 38-27, and opened the fourth with a 16-4 series, which cut down the deficit to just 8 points, 109-101. Frank Vogel had to bring back the starters on the court to regain the control, and the game was closed without any problems.

“They played a lot harder than we did in the second half.. but ultimately we were able to finish the game so that’s the most important thing,” said Bradley.

Dwight Howard reached a nice milestone in tonight’s win. The Superman became only the sixth player in the NBA history with 13,000 boards, 2,000 blocks and 1,000 steals. Center veteran scored 8 points, had 4 boards and that steal.

Antony Davis posted a double-double with 26 points and 11 boards, Bradley scored a season-high with 18 points, while Kyle Kuzma added 19 off the bench. LeBron mentioned David Stern’s passing, saying that the league and basketball in general lost a lot.

“We lost a great visionary. I think him and Dr. James Naismith were the two most important people for the game of basketball. Naismith would create the game, and David, his vision, made it global,” said LBJ to the reporters.

6-7 seasons of Lakers rebuilding for:

Video credit: @NBATV. pic.twitter.com/CRtHoBLidN

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 2, 2020

Among the guests, Devin Booker scored 32 points with 7 assists, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26. DeAndre Ayton had 16 and 14 boards off the bench.

The Suns (13-21), who had two wins prior to this contest, are starting a five-game homestand against the Knicks this Friday. After that, one by one Grizzlies, Kings, Magic and the Hornets are coming to Arizona. It will be a nice chance for them to post some wins and get out of the bad stretch they’ve fallen into over the last three weeks.

As for the Lakers (27-7) have three more games at home before travelling to Dallas to face the Mavericks for the fourth time this season. They are hosting the Pelicans on Friday, the Pistons on Sunday and the Knicks on Tuesday.