The latest Suns vs Lakers encounter turned into a worrying night for Los Angeles, as familiar defensive problems resurfaced in a heavy 132-108 defeat against the Phoenix Suns.
While the return of Austin Reaves after injury offered hope, it did little to slow a Suns offence that scored almost at will.
For UK NBA fans watching the league’s pre-Christmas fixtures, the game underlined why the Lakers’ defensive structure is becoming a growing concern rather than a temporary dip in form.
Why did the Lakers struggle so badly against the Suns?
The Lakers’ downfall was rooted firmly at the defensive end of the floor. Phoenix finished the night shooting 59% from the field, the highest percentage the Lakers have allowed in the 2024–25 NBA season so far.
They also conceded 132 points, matching their worst defensive output of the campaign.
Time and again, Suns players found open driving lanes, uncontested mid-range shots, and space beyond the arc.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns #NBA #Lakers #Suns #LALvsPHX pic.twitter.com/86SELDCbCm
— HoopScores (@hoopscoresdaily) December 24, 2025
Defensive rotations were slow, communication appeared lacking, and transition defence was almost non-existent during key stretches.
Speaking after the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick admitted the issues were obvious.
“We didn’t defend with enough purpose or urgency,” Redick said. “At this level, if you don’t get stops, the game gets away from you quickly.”
How did the Suns take control of the game?
Phoenix set the tone early and never looked back. Devin Booker led with authority, shooting 17-of-29 from the floor and consistently punishing the Lakers whenever defensive pressure dropped.
His calm control of the offence allowed others to thrive, with Dillon Brooks adding 25 points and exploiting mismatches throughout the night.
Suns Dillon Brooks 25 PTS (10-15 FG, 3-6 3P, 79% TS), 0 AST, 0 REB, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO in 24 minutes vs. Lakers
A whole different player when facing LeBron https://t.co/3lUm6jWggP pic.twitter.com/TJuMZCAuCN
— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) December 24, 2025
Notably, the Suns improved on their already impressive performance against the Lakers earlier in the month, when they shot 56.5% in their 1 December meeting.
This follow-up display suggested a clear tactical advantage, rather than a one-off hot shooting night.
By the middle of the third quarter, Phoenix had built a lead of 29 points, effectively ending the contest long before the final buzzer.
Was Austin Reaves’ return a positive for the Lakers?
Austin Reaves’ return was one of the main talking points ahead of tip-off, following a three-game absence with a left calf strain. However, his comeback proved uneven.
Coming off the bench for the first time in two seasons, Reaves scored 17 points but struggled to find rhythm.
Early turnovers disrupted the Lakers’ flow, and defensively, he was targeted by Phoenix’s bench unit, particularly Jamaree Bouyea, who finished with 14 points.
Redick confirmed there was no strict minutes restriction in place but stressed the need for caution amid wider NBA concerns around calf injuries.
Reaves had been one of the Lakers’ most heavily used players earlier in the season, and the lack of sharpness suggested the lay-off may have come at a crucial time.
What does this loss say about the Lakers’ current form?
LeBron James led the team with 23 points on 50% shooting, but individual performances offered little comfort in a game where the collective defensive effort fell apart.
This defeat followed closely after LeBron’s historic scoring consistency finally came to an end, adding to the sense that the Lakers are entering a challenging stretch both physically and mentally.
The absence of Luka Dončić, who remains day-to-day with a leg contusion, also exposed the Lakers’ lack of depth when injuries strike.
With the Suns in full control, Redick turned to his reserves midway through the fourth quarter, effectively conceding the game as sections of the Phoenix crowd began heading for the exits.
Can the Lakers fix these issues before Christmas Day?
The timing of this defeat could hardly be worse. The Lakers now face a high-profile Christmas Day clash against the Houston Rockets, with limited time to address defensive vulnerabilities.
For UK viewers tuning in during the festive period, the question is whether the Lakers can tighten their defensive rotations and regain intensity, or whether this performance becomes a warning sign ahead of tougher match-ups.
