Lakers Stumble in Phoenix, Losing Second Straight as Injury Woes Mount – Breaking News & SEO Analysis
PHOENIX, AZ – December 24, 2025 – The Los Angeles Lakers (19-8) suffered a decisive 132-108 defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns (15-13) on Monday night, extending their losing streak to two games. The loss, coupled with an injury to Jaxson Hayes, adds another layer of concern for a Lakers team aiming for championship contention. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News indexing and SEO best practices.
Suns Dominate Despite Key Absences
Phoenix controlled the game from the outset, capitalizing on the Lakers’ struggles and a depleted roster. The Suns were without Grayson Allen and Jalen Green, but Dillon Brooks led the charge with a dominant 25-point performance. Devin Booker added 21 points, 2 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his all-around game. The Suns’ offensive efficiency, particularly their three-point shooting (14 made threes), proved too much for the Lakers to handle.
Lakers Grapple with Injuries and Rotations
The Lakers were already without Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent, forcing Head Coach JJ Redick to deploy his 17th different starting lineup of the season. LeBron James finished with 23 points, but the Lakers lacked consistent offensive support. Austin Reaves contributed 17 points in limited minutes after returning from a three-game absence. However, the team’s rotations appeared disjointed, and their defense struggled to contain the Suns’ attack. The absence of key players clearly impacted the Lakers’ rhythm and execution.
Hayes Suffers Ankle Injury, Adding to Lakers’ Concerns
Adding insult to injury, Lakers center Jaxson Hayes exited the game with a sprained left ankle. This is a significant blow to the Lakers’ frontcourt depth, especially with Anthony Davis already carrying a heavy load. The severity of Hayes’ injury is currently unknown, but it raises questions about the Lakers’ ability to maintain their competitive edge during a demanding schedule. Injuries are a constant challenge in the NBA, and the Lakers are learning that lesson the hard way.
Statistical Breakdown: A Tale of Two Teams
The Suns’ superior shooting and ball movement were evident in the box score. They shot 52.5% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range, compared to the Lakers’ 42.9% and 33.3%, respectively. Phoenix also dominated the turnover battle, forcing 18 turnovers while committing only 12. Key stats included:
- Dillon Brooks (PHX): 25 points, 10/15 FG
- LeBron James (LAK): 23 points, 7/14 FG
- Austin Reaves (LAK): 17 points, 6/11 FG
- Phoenix Suns Turnovers: 12
- Los Angeles Lakers Turnovers: 18
The Lakers’ Road Ahead: A Test of Resilience
This loss marks the first time this season the Lakers have dropped consecutive games. Their next challenge comes against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, December 25th, at the Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to get back on track. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, and the Lakers have the talent to overcome this setback. However, maintaining health and finding consistent offensive contributions from their supporting cast will be crucial for their success. Understanding Google News SEO is vital for staying informed about teams like the Lakers.
Reported by Dan Woike, Imagn Images, and archyde.com staff.
