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00:00It's my favorite time of the show, we're going to get you ready with a little game day fast break, bring back the late show, big game, Lakers record in the next five, they got Suns, Rockets, Kings, Pistons, Grizzlies, say it again, four games, five, five, okay, Suns, Rockets, Kings, Pistons, Grizzlies,
00:19Ray, you need to be, you need to be 4-1, you need to be 4-1, I mean, 3-2, all right, but you need to be 4-1 to recapture, and you need to, you know, improve your defense along the way, Mike Francis Bresnahan, record, I agree, I think they need to go 4-1, and I think they will, Sacramento's not real good, that seems like a slam dunk, Memphis struggling again, so that's at least two wins there,
00:48now you just got to win two of three against Detroit, Houston, and obviously tonight, Phoenix, it's the holiday season, two more sleeps before Santa arrives, two wishes for the Lakers,
00:59health, need to be healthy, and what was the other one I wrote, I wrote it to you, need to be healthy, and what was the other one, count me out, man, just make something up, all right, I texted it to somebody,
01:12and now they're not going to leave me hanging, they need to be healthy, and win some games, that's what it is, how about that?
01:20Yeah, Hank, my team would be healthy as well, that's super important, and Allie, how about a 3-and-D wing, can the Lakers get one of those?
01:29Yeah.
01:29I'm not saying like a 20 points a game score, how about just like Herb Jones, you know, 8, 9, 10 points a game, and a little defense too.
01:37I was trying to look up your wishes, I couldn't find it, best stuff, Dylan Brooks vs. LeBron James, how does this game play out between the two?
01:45Hey, LeBron's going to wear his out, you know why, you don't poke the bear, you know, LeBron already has, you know, grandfather time on the ropes,
01:56and he's going to have Dylan Brooks on the ropes, I know Dylan Brooks is a much improved player, but if it's one thing, that'll get LeBron's engine boiling, it's this type of action.
02:07Did you say grandfather time?
02:09Yeah.
02:09I love that, I love that, he is the grandpa of the league, I love that, what about you, Brett?
02:15Um, I think Dylan Brooks, initially, I think we talked about yesterday on the podcast, I thought Dylan Brooks would be a little more tame tonight,
02:23since he almost cost his team the game when they last played against the Lakers, now with no Luka, I think he's going to be really antagonistic towards LeBron,
02:32trying to get LeBron to bite, to take the bait once or twice, and kind of mess up a possession or two.
02:38Key player in this matchup tonight, key Laker.
02:41Ooh, I think it's got to be, I want to say Reece, but I think Aiden, I think it's got to be Aiden dominating, I guess, his former team,
02:51which he should have some incentive to go out and kick their butt, but it's got to be his control of defense in the paint,
02:57and also his, you know, his threat as an offensive player, he can hit that little eight-footer with consistency,
03:04he's really impressed me with his footwork, too, in the paint, little soft touches, so he's the key.
03:10James, you keep stealing my stuff, I'm going to go with Nick Smith Jr., he's going to get the start tonight,
03:15been pretty impressive this year, you know, getting some former first-round pick,
03:19kind of got lost in the shuffle with Charlotte, and look, I think tonight, he's got to be that guy,
03:24he's going to be in that starting five, he's going to try to contain Booker, we'll see if he matches up with him,
03:29but I like what I've seen from Nick Smith so far.
03:31That does it for game day, fast break, I love that game.
03:33We're going to transition into a look at tonight's injury report, in case you're just joining us.
03:37DeAndre Ayton is available, Austin Reeves also available, will come off the bench.
03:42The Lakers will be without Luka Doncic, Rui Hachmora, and no Gabe Vincent.
03:48So, with that said, what do the lineups look like from the jump?
03:51The Lakers will be rolling with Marcus Smart, Nick Smith Jr. in your backcourt,
03:55you got Jake Laravia, LBJ, and DeAndre Ayton.
03:58Again, Austin Reeves will play, just coming off the bench as of right now for the Phoenix Suns.
04:04You got Colin Gillespie, Devin Booker, Dylan Brooks, Royce O'Neal, and Mark Williams down low.
04:11It is that time of the show.
04:13Take your shot.
04:15It is brought to you by Mercury Insurance.
04:17You each will pick a Laker that you think will impact this game,
04:19and tell us how big game you're going with Jake Laravia.
04:21Jake Laravia.
04:22I thought maybe I was going to go with a bench player,
04:24but he's been inserted into the starting lineup.
04:27That makes it even better.
04:28I'm just waiting for this guy to really burst out.
04:32Not like Austin Reeves, but he is so fundamentally sound,
04:36has so many aspects to the game that he can deliver.
04:39I'm looking for him, you know, to shoot the three-ball well.
04:42He can put it on the floor and get to the cup, put a good rebounder.
04:46So, Jake, take the cake.
04:49Brett, you're going with Marcus Smart.
04:52Marcus Smart.
04:52I'm going to stick with James' rhyming.
04:55Kind of fell apart in the last game.
04:57He was 1 for 12 against the Clippers, 0 for 9 from deep.
05:02Hey, let's remember, just not that long ago, he had eight threes in the game.
05:05I'm not going to ask for that from him tonight.
05:07How about three or four, some good defense,
05:08and kind of in that starting lineup, Allie.
05:11A little bit of a surprise to me.
05:12Allie, it's time to rhyme.
05:15I'm going with the king because it's got a nice ring.
05:19Okay, I like that.
05:20It's always LBJ or LBJ, which is one of the stars.
05:24And because LBJ is out, I'm going with LBJ.
05:26I just want to see the matchup between him and Dylan Brooks.
05:29Obviously, we want a Laker win.
05:30But how much will he be able to handle?
05:32What can he do?
05:33We will soon find him out.
05:35Yes, we're just the rest over here.
05:37Wow, we're heading to Phoenix.
05:39It is time.
05:39Dylan Max, do Lance have the call.
05:41Dylan Max, take it away, my friend.
05:43Let's go.
05:44Allie, thank you.
05:45Let's go live from the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
05:49What a gorgeous day it was here in the Valley of the Sun today.
05:51This holiday season, game is being brought to you by Sprite this evening.
05:57Once again, the Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns.
06:03Hello again, everybody, and welcome.
06:05Well, what is this?
06:06The finale of a four-game road trip, so to speak, before the Christmas Day game against Houston
06:12in two days.
06:13Lakers are trying to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time all year.
06:17But, Stu, they're going to have to do it without Luka Doncic tonight.
06:21And that's not going to be an easy task when you're losing the leading scorer in the league
06:26and the guy that really set the table for a lot of other players on your team.
06:31It makes the job that much harder.
06:32But they still have LeBron James.
06:34And LeBron is coming off of a very good game individual.
06:38Put up 36 against the Clippers in a losing effort.
06:41He was really the only consistent scorer the Lakers had, especially after Luka went out with
06:47the injury.
06:48But they need him to be really dominant again tonight.
06:50They do pick up a player tonight, and a good one at that.
06:54Austin Rees is back.
06:56He missed three games, and really, they missed all three of those games without him in the
07:00lineup.
07:00They really do not have what he provides.
07:03The ability to penetrate off the dribble, get into the paint, get to the free throw line,
07:07they're going to really enjoy him being back tonight.
07:10You know, this is the fifth time already this year we're going to see Phoenix, what, twice
07:13in the preseason, two times already in the regular season.
07:16And if there's a constant, you've got to know it, you've got to guard Devin Booker because
07:21he is one of the top scorers really in the game today.
07:24One reason why he's the constant is he's so good.
07:26I mean, when you're that good, you're generally pretty consistent.
07:29And he's really consistent.
07:31He's their mainstay.
07:32He's the guy they look forward to to take the big shots in the big moments.
07:37Averaging 26 points on the year and doing a lot of other things.
07:41Whether it's distance from teammates, playing defense, he's an all-around good player.
07:46And then Dylan Brooks is having himself a fine overall season, especially against the
07:52Lakers in the two games that he's played.
07:53He's averaged 26 points.
07:56But look at that shooting percentage, 60%.
07:58That's really high for Dylan Brooks.
08:00They can't have him shoot 60% tonight.
08:02Is the bad blood going to spill over from the other night?
08:05No.
08:05Stu says no.
08:06What do you say?
08:07We're going to find out when we come back after this.
08:10It's the Suns and the Lakers once again from Phoenix here on Spectrum Sports.
08:159-36 versus the Clippers.
08:16He's certainly not playing like a man on the doorstep of turning 41.
08:20Since missing the game in Boston, he's averaging nearly 27 per game, shooting 54% from the floor.
08:25Seven boards, six dimes.
08:26He scored 26 against the Suns last week.
08:29And with Luka out tonight, he's going to need to do it again.
08:32How do you follow it up, big game?
08:35Well, he's done it over and over and over his whole career.
08:39Show up when he needs to.
08:41I think this is the perfect situation for him this year.
08:44You know, not playing on the ball, bringing it up.
08:48He's playing off ball, playing the baseline.
08:50But he's going to answer the call.
08:53He's already expecting, whether it's going to happen or not, Dylan Brooks to show up.
08:58So, yeah.
08:59He'll try to set the pace.
09:01Try to get going, Brash.
09:02Do exactly what he did the other night.
09:04Hopefully, Lakers are not down 22.
09:06So, it's a single-handedly to the back of that game, Alan.
09:08Everage nearly 27 over his last five.
09:11It's back to Bill and Stu after the break.
09:12Enjoy the game, everyone.
09:15Junior's new Cali XL.
09:17Just $5.99.
09:19More meat.
09:20Not more expensive.
09:21Only for a limited time.
09:23And welcome back.
09:24It's the NBA tonight.
09:25A couple of days before Christmas.
09:27Lakers and the Suns second time in nine days.
09:31Third time in the month of December.
09:33Here's the starting lineup.
09:34More about this with Mike in a matter of moments.
09:37But it's good to see PA, the former Phoenix Sun, back in the middle.
09:41And Nick Smith, Jr.
09:43will get a spot start here tonight.
09:45For the Phoenix Suns, yeah, Dylan Brooks is back and ready to go.
09:48Royce O'Neal is turned in, as Stu would say, into one of those uh-oh guys from three.
09:53So is Colin Gillespie and Mark Williams, when he's on the floor.
09:58He's a pretty good player.
09:58And he'll be able to start in the middle tonight.
10:00Lexus Keys and Stu.
10:02Well, three-point shooting is going to be an absolute must tonight.
10:06The Lakers have not been very good from that distance, especially of late.
10:10In the center matchup, I'm interested to see, again, how Andre goes against his former teammates.
10:16And then protect the ball.
10:18The Lakers turn it over.
10:19And the Suns are really good at creating turnovers.
10:22Mike Trudell, Austin Reeves, going to be coming off the bench tonight.
10:27Yeah, so they get Austin Reeves back, Billy.
10:29Missed three games with some calf soreness, a calf strain.
10:32The good news is he is available.
10:33And we haven't asked JJ Redick yet.
10:35He'll talk about it postgame, I'm sure.
10:36But maybe this allows Reeves to play a little bit more down the stretch.
10:40And you're looking here at all of the different starting lineups that Redick has to use.
10:44Of course, mostly due to injury, trailing only the Indiana Pacers.
10:48But got a pretty good record.
10:50So they found some way to figure it out.
10:52Now, last game against the Clippers, though, was a little bit too much to overcome.
10:55In the second half, LeBron was the only of the five regular starters available.
10:59At least DeAndre Ayton is back.
11:01He was excellent in this building last week before he missed a couple of games when he got
11:05his elbow tied up with Mark Williams, who he's about to jump center with.
11:09So we'll see.
11:10Maybe Luka and Rui both have a chance to come back at the Christmas game.
11:14But tonight, we'll see if the Lakers can find a way to get it done short-handed once again.
11:17Yep.
11:17First things first.
11:18And off the tip, the Lakers wearing their gold uniforms will be with the basketball in
11:24possession.
11:25Number one, Jake LaRabia.
11:26Got to shoot the ball better.
11:28That's obvious.
11:29Under 40% overall.
11:3116% from three against the Clippers and 61% from the free throw line.
11:38Marcus Smart, baseline, mid-range jumper not there.
11:41Mark Williams goes and collects it.
11:43And obviously, the start of this game is very important to the Lakers.
11:46They can't dig themselves a hole in the very, very beginning.
11:50They switch off with L'Arabia now on Book.
11:53There's Kevin Bookley.
11:54He comes in, puts it up short.
11:56We're not going to be taken by the Lakers, and they have an opportunity to come out of the
11:59backcourt with a break.
12:00LeBron, corner, good passing.
12:02LaRabia, three.
12:03Got it!
12:04So their first triple of the night goes down.
12:07Yeah, hopefully that won't be the last for a while because it's going to be very important,
12:11as we talked about earlier, for them to shoot the ball well from their distance.
12:14It was a historically bad night at the Intuit Dome for the Lakers shooting threes.
12:20They knocked down their first.
12:22Underneath there's the big fella, Aiden.
12:24He controls, take it.
12:25LaRabia on the wing.
12:27A great look and delivery from James.
12:29Well, it starts with the defense.
12:30Good job by DeAndre coming up with the deflection, the steal, and easy deuce.
12:35Last time these two teams met was a two-point Laker win, and Dylan Brooks having a career year.
12:41And obviously he's an instigator.
12:44His battles with LeBron, and they go back to 2003, or 2023.
12:50Boy, 2003, that'd be a heck of a rivalry.
12:53It's been a couple of years, though, and they're at it again.
12:56And you think he can't let him get under his skin tonight, right?
12:59No, no, just LeBron has to beat LeBron and just go ahead and play.
13:02And here they are, one-on-one.
13:04James banks it in!
13:09It's always a good sign when you can make your first one.
13:12There's been a lot of trash talking between the two outside of the court, in the media.
13:19Here's Dylan Brooks looking up working on LeBron all the way to score.
13:24He's coming with the same fervor that he had the other night.
13:30Here come the fourth place in the West Lakers.
13:33And Marcus Smart going to hold things up and reorganize.
13:37Going to find LeBron way out past the arc.
13:40And LeBron goes!
13:41It doesn't come, and he'll go to the line and shoot two.
13:44Again, we mentioned J.J.'s team, not lost, back-to-back, fourth place in the West.
13:53A game-and-a-half back of both San Antonio and Denver.
13:58And on the other side is a former Laker assistant.
14:01We'll get to Jordan Knott in a moment.
14:04Very young of Jordan Knott, with NBA coaching.
14:0740 years of age, spent a couple of years on the Laker bench.
14:11Excuse me, Bill, lane violation on Dylan Brooks, who was upset that they called the foul on him.
14:16So, he stepped into the lane before LeBron released the ball.
14:19So, that miss will not count.
14:21He'll get two more.
14:23He obviously made some silly plays down the stretch.
14:25Made some great ones.
14:26Hit the big shot that could have won the game for them.
14:29But then, a bump into LeBron.
14:31Technical foul.
14:32And LeBron went to the line eventually and won the game on free throws.
14:36It was a game that was tied at halftime.
14:38And, in fact, Stu, the Lakers were what?
14:40Up by 20 in the second half.
14:43And let it wither away.
14:45They can't let those things slip away again if they're fortunate enough to get in that position.
14:49Here's Colin Gillespie.
14:50You like his shot, don't you?
14:51Well, he is an uh-oh guy.
14:53Trust me.
14:54Booker.
14:55Booker has not shot at well from the perimeter at all.
14:58He's trying to get up and under Nick Smith.
15:00Here is O'Neal.
15:01Yeah, Royce O'Neal has always been a good, spot-up, three-point shooter.
15:07And he's not a bad defender on the other end.
15:10They're coming off of two games against Golden State.
15:13A home-and-home.
15:15Each team won in the other team's building.
15:18We're talking about Phoenix.
15:19LaRavia bounced.
15:20Not a good pass.
15:21It was in traffic.
15:22And here come the sets.
15:23This is what they want to do.
15:25Booker scores.
15:26Count it.
15:26Foul.
15:28They want pace tonight.
15:29And they're getting the pace.
15:31It starts with turnovers and long rebounds.
15:34That's why the Lakers have to have great defensive balance to help prevent the numbers advantage.
15:39Turnover.
15:40They get out in the open court.
15:42They've got numbers advantage.
15:43And a quick and-one for Devin Booker.
15:46You know, Colin Gillespie basically called out the Lakers the other day in the paper in the Arizona Republic
15:51by saying, yeah, this is an older team.
15:54An older, slower team.
15:56So we want to play at our pace and get up and down the floor.
15:59I mean, obviously, I don't know about calling them out, but it's kind of true.
16:03They are a younger team.
16:05They rely on the tempo more than the Lakers have to.
16:09LeBron James.
16:11It's a little contact.
16:13That's a block by Williams.
16:14They stay with it.
16:15And Aiton scores.
16:16And he'll get a free throw.
16:17And he gets a foul called on Devin Booker, who reached in and slaps him on the wrist.
16:23So good block shot by Williams as he gets a piece of LeBron's.
16:27But there was Aiton to clean it up and gets his own.
16:31And one.
16:31Aiton is actually eighth in franchise history for Phoenix.
16:36You might recall he was the number one pick overall in 2018 for the Suns.
16:42Went to college down the road in Tucson for U of A.
16:46Coming back after missing two games.
16:48Rebound O'Neal.
16:53These two teams will play at least a couple of more times this year.
16:57Who knows?
16:57Might see him in the playoffs.
16:59There's plenty of action between the Suns and the Lakers.
17:03Booker starts in, comes out.
17:05They'll reorganize.
17:06Booker quickly off the dribble.
17:08He runs right around eight.
17:09And runs over a man.
17:11That's two quick fouls.
17:13Who do you think standing there is taking that charge?
17:19You mentioned two miles on Booker.
17:21None other than Marcus Smart.
17:23So that's two quick wins on Booker.
17:26He played four minutes in their top player.
17:29In a bit of foul trouble.
17:30That was their issue the other night against Golden State.
17:34They had a lot of foul trouble late in the game.
17:36Wound up losing by three.
17:38Dick Smith Jr.
17:39Never met a shot he didn't like.
17:41The Bronx straight away.
17:42Gillespie.
17:43Smallest guy on the floor has the rebound.
17:47Colin Gillespie.
17:49Went to Villanova.
17:50Undrafted.
17:51Some of those great teams there.
17:53That shot way off.
17:54Going to get it right back.
17:55LaRavia hanging with him.
17:57Booker.
17:58Here he goes.
17:58Down the middle.
17:59All the way.
18:00Shovel pass.
18:00Williams.
18:01Got it.
18:02Boy, we've got a bunch of and one opportunities already in this game.
18:05Well, three in a row, seemingly.
18:07It's the second trip down in a row for the Suns.
18:10And the Lakers just had one.
18:11And as Devin Booker sets it up.
18:13Brings DeAndre Ayton to him.
18:15And then just dishes it off to Mark Williams who gets the end one.
18:20Mark Williams went to Duke.
18:22Same as the Laker head coach.
18:24He only had four points Saturday at Golden State in 18 minutes.
18:31But the last time or the last game against the Lakers, Williams had 20 points, six rebounds,
18:37three blocks in that one.
18:40The seven-footer.
18:41And we're at 12-11.
18:46Lakers' biggest lead has been five in the early going.
18:49They did not lead at all in the game against the Clippers.
18:52That was a wire-to-wire win for the Clips.
18:56LaRavia looking to get to the rim.
18:58Can't.
18:58Again, a Laker turnover.
18:59They turn you over more than any other team in the NBA.
19:03Brooks.
19:06Deflection, steals, turnovers.
19:08Nobody's better than the Phoenix Suns.
19:10Smart, corner, got it.
19:13And Marcus is happy to see that one go down.
19:15You get a delay of game warning against the Lakers.
19:18Once you score, the ball goes through the net.
19:20The scoring team technically is not allowed to touch the ball.
19:24The Lakers get called for a delay of game.
19:26Marcus Smart with an ugly open night for three against the Clippers.
19:31Most three-point attempt without a make in his 654-game career.
19:37Booker has a man up in the air.
19:39That's Nick Smith, Jr.
19:40Lob under the rims.
19:44Double penetration will set that up because your last line of defense is your center.
19:48He has to step up to prevent the first one.
19:51Lakers 4-4 in their last eight contests.
19:57Phoenix has lost three of their last four.
19:59Smart looking for two in a row.
20:00O'Neal could have a box out that time on Aiden.
20:04So we're nearing the halfway mark of quarter number one.
20:08Sold out crowd here in Phoenix.
20:09They're trying to lob to Williams.
20:11It hits the rim.
20:12And here comes Smart across the timeline.
20:14Deflected by Aiden.
20:17Nick Smith, no.
20:18That's the one you got to try to use the window.
20:20Well, it shouldn't be long before we see Austin Reeves in the game.
20:24If it's a normal rotation, LeBron will be exiting pretty soon.
20:27And there's Brooks.
20:28Not much defense that time.
20:30And he spins and scores.
20:33Come in!
20:34Come in!
20:34Come in!
20:38What a real rivalry these two teams have going.
20:41Of course, it's ramped up with Brooks being on the team.
20:44Just a different squad from last year.
20:46Aiden all the way.
20:47Puts it up and hit.
20:48Boy, over the outstretched arms of Williams.
20:50Well, good decision by Mark Williams.
20:51He was going to try to block it.
20:53He knew if he touched it, it was goal game.
20:56Attacked in the zone and Booker.
20:58Again, two quick fouls for him.
21:00They worked the perimeter.
21:01Got it in the corner.
21:02Did it look good?
21:03Aiden is in the perfect spot for the rebound.
21:05Looks for the out bet and finds LaRabia.
21:09The Lakers looking for their 20th win of the year.
21:12Down the middle comes a bounce.
21:14And a Williams creates a little room.
21:16Timeout, Phoenix.
21:17That's the best way to create space if you can do it without drawing the offensive charge.
21:21You get into the body.
21:22Make him take a step back.
21:24You get that space and you get an easy one.
21:26The Lakers open up the corner with a two-point lead.
21:3018-16.
21:34First time since we've seen the previous three.
21:37And they've missed him.
21:38Boy, I tell you, averaging about 28 points.
21:41This guy is really taking a couple of steps forward in the development department.
21:47Let's see if his shot comes around.
21:48He wasn't shooting it particularly well right before his injury.
21:54He's been the leading scorer seven times on this team.
21:57Of course, without Luka, you're missing the leading scorer in the NBA.
22:02And somebody who's led the team 18 times already this year.
22:05Silver Arabia, Nick Smith, Marcus Smart, Austin Reeves, and DeAndre Ayton are the five on the floor.
22:14You got Jordan Goodwin, the former Laker, out there wearing a mask.
22:19And he has his first run tonight.
22:21Booker, there's that great mid-range jump shot.
22:23Well, when he elevates, it's such a good-looking shot.
22:26He knows when to use it and when not.
22:29And he knows a bit of his limitations.
22:31He has not, never has been a great three-point shooter.
22:35But he's deadly from inside the arc.
22:38Eight.
22:38And running it off on top.
22:41Reeves can't handle it.
22:43But the Lakers get it right back.
22:44Smart on its way.
22:46LaRavia trying to rebound.
22:48Oh, he did.
22:48He kept it alive.
22:49And Marcus scores on the second-chance opportunity.
22:53Well, Devin Booker tried a save there and threw it right back to the Lakers.
22:57And that created the advantage.
23:00Turnovers right now.
23:01Four for Phoenix.
23:02Three for the Lake Show.
23:05Cross-court.
23:05Here's Dunn.
23:06Dunn all the way.
23:07Try to sneak it over the rim.
23:09Could not.
23:10Loose basketball ticket by Nick Smith.
23:11We're going to have a couple of the Lakers in at the next dead ball.
23:14Hayes in Vanderbilt.
23:16LaRavia the rainbow.
23:18Goodwin goes up to get it.
23:20Jordan Goodwin last year played 29 games for the Purple and Gold.
23:25Goodwin's going to fire up a three.
23:27Rebound eight.
23:31Eight.
23:32That's four boards already here in quarter number one.
23:37Reeves.
23:38Ooh, they threw it away.
23:39But he's going to get bailed out, I think.
23:41Yeah, they're calling a kickball.
23:42Did that foot potentially go out?
23:44I mean, you can throw it off the leg and not be a kickball.
23:48And if they think it's intentional, then they're going to blow the whistle.
23:54Nicaro will check in for Phoenix.
23:56You've got to keep him off the offensive glass.
23:59He's a pretty high flyer.
24:02He went to Marquette for four years.
24:04Coming off his fourth double-digit point game and seven-plus rebound effort.
24:09Paul Reeves going to draw the foul.
24:10Goodwin thought he went straight up.
24:12questions that.
24:14And it's going to be three free throws for Austin Reeves.
24:17What happens when you put your hands forward?
24:20Players are so smart, they see it forward and they go right up into the act and
24:24gets you right on the arm.
24:26Three coming for Austin.
24:28Mark Lindsey, Moussa Dagger, and Jenna Reneau are our three officials here tonight.
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24:43Now the Lakers go to the free throw line almost 29 times a game, which is second in the NBA.
24:53Phoenix gets there only 21 and a half times.
24:55They're near the bottom, so a definite advantage for the Lakers.
24:58Now the last time they met, Lakers shot 43, Suns 25.
25:11The Lakers wound up squeaking out that win.
25:17Goodwin.
25:19Iguodaro.
25:22Standing around a bit.
25:23Now it's a booker once again attacking the rims and getting it off the window for the and one.
25:29Boy, he got his left shoulder down and going to his dominant hand.
25:33Got the advantage and gives yet another and one.
25:37As you mentioned earlier, a lot of and ones to start this game.
25:41Booker, the recipient of the latest.
25:43He tied his season-high 38 Saturday at Golden State.
25:47It was his eighth 30-point game of the season.
25:51219th in his career.
25:54Remember, he scored his 17,000th career point earlier.
25:57In December against the Lakers.
26:02He was out for a bit and since returning from injury the last three games.
26:06Averaging 30 and shooting 46%.
26:09Now it's the Lakers with the basketball and orchestrating it.
26:12This time down the floor and the attacking 47 is Reeves.
26:15Stop and pop for three.
26:17Nearly banked in.
26:19Could we have another Goodwin foul?
26:21Now it's going to be a Jackson Hayes.
26:22Okay, number 11.
26:24That's a Lakers Jackson Hayes.
26:27He had two straight starts instead of DeAndre.
26:36So Hayes has a couple of fouls.
26:38Just a very short period of time.
26:40A very, very short.
26:41One minute of action.
26:44Booker.
26:44They leave him alone.
26:45Again, the Lakers are not running out on him.
26:51Here's Bouye.
26:52Bouye goes all the way to score.
26:54Boy, they're attacking in the paint so far.
26:57That's 16 paint points for Phoenix.
27:00And in this series, the Lakers have basically dominated in the paint.
27:04So they flipped the script so far tonight.
27:09Nick Smith leaves again.
27:11Left side, right hand.
27:13Rebound.
27:14Vandal might have gotten away with one.
27:16Phoenix is going to push it one more time.
27:19Into the corner.
27:20Goodwin trying to get into the paint.
27:22He does.
27:22Throws up a shot.
27:23Doesn't get the bounce.
27:24Lakers have it.
27:25Here's Danderbilt back in the rotation.
27:28Was gone for over so long.
27:30But he's worked his way back into favor for J.J. Redick.
27:35Reeves guns it underneath.
27:37Good feed.
27:38And Hayes is going to go to the line.
27:40That's called preventing the easy layup there.
27:43It's done is the guy that makes sure that Jackson Hayes,
27:46if he scores two, they're going to come from the free throw line.
27:49The Lakers down by one.
27:51Here we've been tied five times.
27:52Had five lead changes already.
27:54Laker fans, don't miss a beat this season.
27:57Get the lake show right at your fingertips with the official Lakers app.
28:01This is your chance at exclusive sweepstakes and everything else other fans are missing out on.
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28:10And right now, LeBron James is going to reenter the game.
28:15Now LeBron coming off of a season high in points.
28:19He was the only one who did really anything offensively against the Clippers.
28:22He had 36, the next highest Laker, had 12 in that game.
28:28Very much more LeBron-like for him.
28:31We'll be celebrating his birthday in a week.
28:34How about this right now with Jackson Hayes on the line for Nissan.
28:37This Lakers broadcast is brought to you by the Nissan Rogue.
28:43Shop NissanUSA.com.
28:52And Jackson Hayes does get the two points.
28:55He won it from the free throw line, and the Lakers go up by a single digit.
28:58Remember, Jackson Hayes hasn't missed a shot in his Laker career against Utah.
29:03He hasn't missed a shot against Phoenix this year.
29:06So he's got a streak going against the Suns.
29:10Bouye from 16 feet straight away.
29:12Well, he sold the drive beautifully that time, and then pulled up to the jumper.
29:17He opened up Austin Reed's left shoulder, made him drop step that one.
29:22That gave you the advantage.
29:23Javon Bouye had three steals in the first meeting of the year between these teams.
29:28Canuck's going to try to get to the rim.
29:30It's deflected, and then Hayes throws it in the backcourt.
29:33That's going to be a turnover, with a minute 36 remaining in the quarter.
29:39So the teams are even up four-piece in the turnover department.
29:44Jackson Hayes had his mind made up that when he jumped and he got that rebound,
29:47that he was pitching it out.
29:49Maybe he should have rethought that and come down with it
29:51and see if he could do something in the paint himself.
29:54Bouye underneath, similar from a moment ago.
29:59He's got two more.
30:00Bouye went to San Francisco.
30:05Went undrafted.
30:06They got a lot of undrafted in second-round picks on their squad that have done well.
30:12And are key parts of their rotation.
30:14Got a kick ball there as Austin tried to split two defenders.
30:18Very fortunate that the Suns put their foot on the ball to get a turnover.
30:22And the team split the first two meetings this year.
30:27Phoenix won the first one in Los Angeles.
30:29Lakers came right back here and worn by two the other night.
30:33And there's a reverse layup, and it's good for Austin.
30:36That's what he really, really efficient at.
30:39Getting bigger defender on him and taking him right to the paint.
30:42They are back after missing three straight.
30:44Iguodaro.
30:45Less than a minute to go.
30:46Way out.
30:47There goes Gillespie.
30:48Well, they figured he was going to settle for a jump shot.
30:52Dribble drive all the way to the rim.
30:54Well, they overplayed him.
30:55He's coming off the screen.
30:56He read the defense perfectly as they tried to deny.
30:59He went back door and got an easy one.
31:0022 points in the paint right now for Phoenix.
31:0422 to 12.
31:0622 of the 29.
31:09LeBron is in the paint himself.
31:11Turn around, not going to get there.
31:12They put Jackson Hayes right out of the way.
31:15And here comes Gillespie.
31:17Gillespie with two.
31:19Everybody who started for Phoenix has scored.
31:22In fact, they haven't had any production other than Bouye off the bench.
31:26Of course, the Lakers have the worst bench production in the NBA.
31:32Gillespie drive.
31:33Kick.
31:34They swing it.
31:35Good win.
31:36Underneath.
31:37Good box out by Hayes with one.
31:39Quarters over as Reeves moves it from the backcourt.
31:42Well, obviously, very competitive first quarter as the Lakers playing shorthanded without Luka.
31:49Only trail heading into the second by a triple.
31:52The Suns have put up 29.
31:54They're shooting the ball very, very well.
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32:12And we are back in Phoenix with the Suns holding a three-point lead, which equals their biggest of the first quarter.
32:19We start the second 12-minute stanza.
32:22And Phoenix has the basketball.
32:23They've got Iguodaro on there along with Gillespie with the ball.
32:27Goodwin.
32:28Bouye is out there.
32:30Along with Duff.
32:32And the throwdown by Iguodaro is, once again, the Lakers failed to protect anything at the rim and in the paint.
32:39I mean, they're running pick and roll as if it's a practice session.
32:42And this is how you're supposed to do it.
32:44And the Lakers are letting them.
32:45Well, we talked about the lack of defense for the Lakers.
32:48Four out of six games before the other night, they had allowed at least 120.
32:54Here's Kinnett.
32:55Can't hit.
32:55Oh, Vando just went and got that one.
32:58LeBron gets a fresh 14 on the clock.
33:01Holding it over his head.
33:03Tries to find the entry pass to Hayes.
33:06And he gets fouled.
33:08In that time, good move by Jackson Hayes.
33:11Everybody all standing around watching LeBron and wondering what he was going to do.
33:15All of a sudden, Jackson flashes in and LeBron tries to get him the ball.
33:18Well, points in the paint last game.
33:20Lakers were a plus six.
33:21Not so much tonight.
33:23We'll get to those three-point field goals, too, as LeBron wanders in and scores.
33:28Leaning, drifting to the left and shooting right.
33:32Phoenix is just one for seven from downtown.
33:36Lakers are two for eight.
33:38So the struggles continue.
33:41Lakers are just not a good perimeter defensive team, either.
33:44They allow a ton of threes, usually.
33:46So they're fortunate to be in it to sit at one for seven.
33:50Oh, yeah.
33:51Well, what a start for him, Stu.
33:53Yeah, I mean, he's coming very aggressive and very effective.
33:58He's four for four, guys.
34:00Eight points.
34:02Connect.
34:03Standing on the line.
34:05Turnover.
34:06Got to know where you are.
34:07Yeah, they know where they are in a sense that they know they're behind the three-point line.
34:11But they just have to realize there's not a lot of real estate between the three-point line in the corner and the sideline.
34:17DeAndre Ayton did some good work when he was in to start the game.
34:21Eight minutes at six points and four rebounds.
34:24He re-enters.
34:26Again, no Luka.
34:27No Rui.
34:27No game tonight for the Lakers.
34:31Into the corner.
34:32Dunn.
34:33It hit the rim twice in Vanderbilt for the patience to rebound that one.
34:37Oh, taken away by Goodwin.
34:39Uh-oh.
34:41I just let Stu have his time right there.
34:45You're right.
34:45They lead the league in steals.
34:50They do it again.
34:52Smart with the left hand.
34:53Oh, tapped up and in.
34:54Right at the rim that time by Vando.
34:58They bring it right back.
35:00They'll take it out of the net all night and push the pace.
35:04Gillespie trying to get around.
35:06Connect cannot.
35:07Who stood his ground.
35:11A little pushing and shoving.
35:13Off the ball.
35:14They'll catch connect on the foul of Gillespie.
35:17Another look at the steal by Goodwin.
35:20Slapping at it.
35:21Finally gives it.
35:21And then that leads to the wide open look.
35:24Look at Gillespie.
35:25First in steals.
35:26Third in deflections.
35:28Second in turnovers created at 17.6.
35:32Again, they survived the toughest part of their schedule.
35:37Just kind of ending that.
35:38Although they're going to go back out on the road.
35:40They get New Orleans next to.
35:42That's one four in a row.
35:45Gillespie.
35:48Underneath.
35:48Again, they throw it down.
35:49It's really uncalled for right now for the Lakers.
35:53I mean, they're doing nothing under there defensively.
35:56I mean, the breakdown begins there on the perimeter.
35:59Here's LeBron bounce.
36:03Vandau.
36:04A little shake and bake.
36:05He gets bumped and fouled.
36:07Royce O'Neal did more than bump.
36:09That was a hip jack.
36:10That's the second.
36:11The Coyotes used to be here in Phoenix.
36:15Now, now they're the mammoth in Utah.
36:19So, a little hockey team right now in the Valley of the Sun.
36:23Again, last year at this time, the Lakers were 15-12.
36:28They're 19-8.
36:30Standing here.
36:31LeBron.
36:32That was never going to go.
36:33But he does get the three free throws.
36:35Again, reaching in.
36:37When your hands are armed parallel to the floor like that,
36:42you're going to be susceptible to that particular play.
36:45He's reaching in, reaching in.
36:46LeBron goes up, and he catches him right on the wrist.
36:50Sending him to the line to shoot.
36:52Three.
36:52Well, coming into the game, LeBron had shot 32 free throws
36:55over his last three games.
36:58All right, Laker fans.
36:58Tacos on the line.
37:00Again, if the Lakers win, you're going to score two free tacos
37:03with a drink purchase from Jugg in the box tomorrow, Christmas Eve.
37:09Problem with this lead up here.
37:11Now it's at six.
37:13They're doing this with only one starter on the floor, basically.
37:16And that's Gillespie.
37:18And he hasn't been a real factor.
37:19So, their bench has come in and really separated themselves.
37:23Yeah, Booker played ten minutes, but it's saddled with two fouls.
37:27Dillon Brooks only played eight minutes.
37:30See them shortly, we would think.
37:33We're three minutes into the quarter.
37:35I'm the Phoenix go down.
37:37See them until the second unit starts with the falter.
37:42Lakers in chase mode to give up.
37:45An offensive rebound.
37:46Lakers themselves had a ton of offensive rebounds the other night.
37:49But they had a ton of misses.
37:51Here is Gillespie.
37:53Over and out to Booyer.
37:55Not there.
37:56Rebound Iguodaro.
37:57Tapped it.
37:58LeBron's got control of it.
38:00And tapped it right to LeBron.
38:01Trying to negotiate to move in the lane that time with Smith Jr.
38:09Here they come.
38:09Three on two.
38:10Look out.
38:11Look out.
38:13Chris Dunn.
38:14Ryan Dunn rather.
38:15Ryan Dunn.
38:17We just saw Chris the other night.
38:19They're doing transition off of turnover.
38:21They've got the advantage and they're really pushing the issue.
38:24Ryan Dunn across the board.
38:27He's got career highs.
38:29Morgan.
38:29LaRabia set to check in for the Lakers.
38:32Oh and again.
38:33Very similar.
38:34We've seen this numerous times already.
38:37Reaching in.
38:37And fouling.
38:38All started with the Suns defense.
38:42They turn the Lakers over and they get out in transition.
38:44And they're not running for the three-point line.
38:46They're running for the paint.
38:48And Dunn that time hammers one as LeBron goes back to the charity start.
38:53Largest lead of the game.
38:55Points off of turnovers right now.
38:579-4.
38:59Phoenix a plus five.
39:01Lakers seven turnovers in the game.
39:03All right.
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39:19LeBron comes up dry on his two attempts and the Lakers could see themselves down by double digits.
39:25LeBron now four for seven.
39:27Already seven times to the line.
39:29Wide open.
39:30Wide open.
39:31Lakers very fortunate there.
39:33They gave up the rebound momentarily, but then they get it right back.
39:38And if you're just joining us, no Luka tonight.
39:40No word on Christmas for him.
39:43Got it.
39:45Got it.
39:47LeBron really getting aggressive now offensively, recognizing the score and recognizing the unit on the floor.
39:52It was the first time all year he had led the Lakers in scoring against the Clippers.
39:57In and out.
39:57They rolled around and spilled out.
39:59Taken out by James.
40:01Turns 41 next Tuesday when the Lakers play the Detroit Pistons at home.
40:06LeBron.
40:06LeBron, more free throws.
40:08And then the last triple that LeBron made, off the dribble, a jump shot off the dribble.
40:16He normally is more of a standstill elevator when he shoots his three.
40:21Very rarely you see him do it a lot off the dribble.
40:24That one looks sweet.
40:25Well, since that double-digit streak ended in Toronto, he's averaged about 28 points, shot 54 percent, shot eight free throws a game, seven rebounds, six assists, and a block and a half.
40:39And here comes Booker and Brooks.
40:40LeBron has missed three free throws now in a row.
40:43The hat-trick free throw attempts are 15 to three.
40:50Let's do the only shot 61 percent the other night.
40:54We're sitting at 57 percent right now from the line.
40:58When you get there, you might as well make it.
41:04That's one thing that Phoenix does well.
41:07They are in the top ten in free throw percentage when they do get there.
41:12Booker to the pitch.
41:14Now it's over to O'Neal.
41:15Let's it fly in and out and back in again.
41:19Standstill catch shooter.
41:21He's got to stay attached to both him and LeBron.
41:25He's shooting 46 percent from three at home, so that split much better at home than the road.
41:32Oh, LeBron, that pass over the shoulder.
41:34Can they pay it off?
41:35They can!
41:36Marcus Smart knocks down his second from long distance in the Lakers.
41:41Four, four, four.
41:42String music and it's 43-39.
41:45Dylan Brooks turns at the baseline and he'll go to the line and shoot a couple.
41:50That was a close one there.
41:52I was looking at that.
41:53It didn't look like Nick Jones got anything, but they said that he did so to send Dylan Brooks to the line to shoot two.
42:01As Marcus Smart knocks down his second from long range.
42:0443-39.
42:06Phoenix.
42:06What the Lakers need more of, and that's defense that creates offense or turnovers, gets them out in transition.
42:20The flexion by DeAndre.
42:23Catches it.
42:24Never puts it on the deck.
42:25Gives it to LeBron.
42:26He never puts it on the deck.
42:27Who gives it to Jake?
42:30Just rides it up.
42:32Rides it in.
42:32They need a lot more of those kind of defensive sequences.
42:39Three steals already for DeAndre 8.
42:43Active hands.
42:44That's what that is.
42:44Very much so.
42:47Sunday against Phoenix a couple of Sundays ago.
42:50He had 20 points, 13 rebounds.
42:52That was his 10th double-double as Brooks is at the line.
42:58Well, there he is, Dylan Brooks.
43:00Second straight 20-point game Saturday at Golden State.
43:07Back on December the 1st.
43:08Remember, he had 33 points on a career-high 15 field goals made against the late show.
43:15Austin Reeves comes back for LeBron, so see if he can fight picking it up off the bench.
43:21Remember, he did not start tonight.
43:23Came in off the bench.
43:25Reeves now is a reset with 14 on the clock.
43:28We're halfway through the second quarter.
43:31Here comes Reeves.
43:32Trying to attack the rim.
43:33Eight.
43:34Doing some work.
43:35Reeves corner three.
43:36Got it.
43:38I'll tell you that.
43:39I think we're doing a good job of attacking the glass.
43:41DeAndre especially.
43:42Making it happen as he reaches for his right side.
43:45Did he get the grip area banged up a little bit there?
43:49A little people.
43:49An eye out.
43:50Here's O'Neal big time.
43:52Did not let him stand still and catch the basketball.
43:56Noyce O'Neal's history tells you that.
44:00From three, they are now four for 15.
44:04Well under their average.
44:06I'll read.
44:06Puts a little dance on.
44:08A little show.
44:09Lots of Laker fans in attendance.
44:10They put a little dance on Dylan Brooks, too, to get into the paint.
44:14Now Booker with Reeves.
44:16Right on his hip.
44:1715-footer.
44:22Devin Booker, 11th year, four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA.
44:29Again, in the paint so far.
44:3128-16 Phoenix.
44:34Nick Smith leans in.
44:35And that's what they need out of Nick Smith.
44:38Just want to get the opportunities that open looks like that to be consistent.
44:42At least nine points in three of his last four games.
44:46Nick Smith.
44:49Look at the work on the glass by DeAndre Aiton.
44:52Who ends up with the assist as Austin knocks down the triple.
44:56That's just good work.
44:57And then that move that Austin puts on a lot of people gets him an easy deuce.
45:0210th in points.
45:0312th in assists.
45:05Right now.
45:07Austin Reeves.
45:08The Lakers are the only team in the league with two players in the top field in scoring.
45:12And Reeves and Dodgers alone as Brooks.
45:17I tell you, the Lakers are just not staying in touch with the signings.
45:21I mean, you can't always be in a health situation where you don't know what the guy you're supposed to be guarding is.
45:28LaRavia.
45:29He tries to attack.
45:30Trailing is Aiton.
45:32He gets a little five-footer.
45:34LaRavia stays with it.
45:35And he gets fouled.
45:36That's fouled by Mark Williams.
45:41So, you know, Jake has been really good of late at offensive rebounding.
45:45He's done a real good job of tracking the ball.
45:49And nine starts now for Jake.
45:51That's a career high.
45:52Only Laker to play all 27 games.
45:55First in steals.
45:57Fifth in minutes.
45:59But his three-point shot has been off.
46:01Hey, the energy of the purple and gold in person is like no other.
46:05Catch the Lake Show live and soak up the thrill of the action.
46:08The best place to get 100% verified secure game tickets all season long is Lakers Ticket Exchange.
46:14It's the official resale marketplace of your Lakers.
46:17Lock in your seats right now at Lakers.com slash ticket exchange.
46:20And a one out of two for Jake and the Lakers free throw shooting is not very good.
46:25Abysmal.
46:29Booker trying to attack eight.
46:30Boy, he bolted that shot, didn't he?
46:32And Williams goes up and over the top.
46:35They're saying no basket, but they're going to keep him on this end of the floor.
46:39I don't know how it's no basket.
46:40Exactly, if they're going to call a foul on the Lakers.
46:42Now they're saying they're counting the basket.
46:48Aiden does a great job of making Kef and Devin Booker alter that shot,
46:53but there's Mark Williams to clean it up.
46:56As you can see, Austin underneath of Williams, that's a good call by the officials.
47:05Williams free throw time.
47:0776% are on the air.
47:09Completes the play.
47:12Biggest lead of the game.
47:14Yep, at nine points, we've got seven lead changes.
47:18Lakers' biggest lead was five.
47:21He was tied at the half when we were here nine days ago.
47:25Lakers' led by 20 in the fourth quarter.
47:29Before they let it slip away and hang on at the end.
47:31Here comes Reeves up against it, and he scores!
47:35Hit the left hand.
47:36Austin seems like he's getting back into form when he's the dribble.
47:40He's back at it.
47:43All-star year for him.
47:45We'll see if it really culminates in that.
47:47O'Neal drive, kick, move it, Booker.
47:52Three for Goodwin.
47:55Timeout Phoenix.
47:59Again, another host of teams.
48:01Oh, no.
48:02Not a timeout.
48:02That have three-point shooters.
48:04I mean, they're just moving the ball around, and guys are just knocking down triples.
48:08All right, so no timeout.
48:0959-49.
48:10And, you know, Stoogia said it was the biggest lead.
48:13Now it is.
48:14At 10.
48:15As they add one to it.
48:17Reeves is way outside when he tried to draw that foul.
48:21Now LaRavia, one way, then the other.
48:24He's down pretty low.
48:25Turnaround jump shot short.
48:27Rebound Suns.
48:28Boy, this is a pesky team, this Phoenix Suns.
48:32Oh, down in the middle.
48:33Rim running.
48:34Rim running in the pass by O'Neal.
48:36What a pass by Royce O'Neal.
48:38I mean, that was a beautiful bounce pass as Mark Williams was running right down the gut.
48:44And he put it right on the money.
48:47That's beautiful play.
48:49Great result.
48:50And they go up by 12.
48:53QR code to send your favorite players to this year's All-Star Game.
48:57Vote early and vote often.
48:59And let's send Luka, LeBron, and AR to the All-Star Game to represent your Lakers.
49:03Scan that QR code right now and start voting, which leads us beautifully into this.
49:10Austin Rees is what you're leading me to.
49:12Hey, he's missed those previous three, but he seems like he's rounding himself into form off the dribble.
49:19Done a great job of getting dribble penetration.
49:22Saw a three-pointer go down earlier, so he's getting back.
49:25He's a guy that they need to be able to do what he did prior to that injury.
49:30Well, he's trying to give a little punch to the second unit here tonight.
49:34You know, we talk about how the Lakers, they lead the league in starting units scoring in 93.5 points a game.
49:42The bench only contributes 24 per.
49:47How long Dylan Brooks?
49:50Free throws coming to LeBron.
49:52That's the second on Brooks.
49:53And the Lakers from the free throw line, 59%.
49:5859.
50:00He only shot 61% against the Clippers.
50:06So, ice cold from there right now.
50:08The Lakers giving up at least 60 again in a half.
50:16Speaks to one area.
50:18Your defense, obviously.
50:21Assists in this game.
50:2217-8, Phoenix.
50:25And that just was accentuated by, as Stu said, that great, perfect bounce by O'Neal on the break a minute ago.
50:32Goodwin underneath Brooks.
50:34Too easy.
50:35Too easy.
50:39And Austin will be the one to bring it across the timeline.
50:42There are times, though, I think that even you could play defense, but not then I catch myself.
50:47Well, you just inferred it right there, so now you kind of did.
50:51LeBron underneath turnaround jump shot is good.
50:54Perfect again for the leading score in the history of the game.
50:58Booker starts, stop.
51:03Again, just taking his time with LaRavia right on him.
51:07Created that little bit of room.
51:08Heartbreak for him.
51:09That went in and came out.
51:12Reeves surveying.
51:13Trying to get around.
51:14Look out.
51:15Too many people standing up over here.
51:17You saw Marcus Smart wide open.
51:18Yes, he did.
51:20And Marcus obviously was not in the game yet.
51:23LeBron was about five or six feet to his left.
51:26He split the difference.
51:30You have that split second to make a decision.
51:34When you're down by a couple of people, he's going to go forward and then for his turnover.
51:38That's the two-minute warning right there.
51:40In the first half, remember, at halftime, we're going to send it right back to the studio in El Segundo.
51:45The halftime report.
51:46Stick around.
51:47They're getting ready for that.
51:47Booker.
51:48I'll tell you what, this team right now, I mean, they're in that top ten as far as the playoff picture.
51:58They're in the seventh spot.
51:59They're pretty solid.
52:01Oh, LeBron.
52:02Well, he knew that was going down.
52:04He knew that was going down.
52:05So did Royce O'Neal, who was attempting to guard him.
52:08Oh, I think that's going to go.
52:10Yeah, LeBron was already on his way back the other way.
52:14That's going to be a foul on Reeves.
52:16Got his arm up on Booker.
52:20Again, one of 14 games in the NBA tonight.
52:24Only two teams aren't playing.
52:26They're looking at LeBron going to his left, shooting that jump shot.
52:30He said it many, many times.
52:32Right-handers prefer to go to their left.
52:34Mike, you've got more of the Suns.
52:37Well, just looking at their shot chart so far, you know, the three's not falling with an incredible percentage, right?
52:4335 percent, six for 17.
52:45But from two, they're 21 for 26.
52:48That's 81 percent.
52:49Now, a decent amount of that has come in the paint, right?
52:5118 for 22.
52:52But just a lot, basically everything, Stu, falling inside the arc for Phoenix.
52:57Yeah, I mean, they're really going to, the way the game is played today, either a three-pointer or a layup.
53:03But they're living in the paint, you know.
53:05When you've got 18 made baskets in the paint in the first half, you see why they've got 67 on the board.
53:12And they're high in points in a half.
53:15This year is 70.
53:17They've done that twice, and they got a very good shot at it to tie it again and or surpass it.
53:25Another turnover here.
53:26This was an offensive foul on Austin Reeves as he gets called for pushing Jordan Goodwin.
53:33Now, they've more than doubled the turnovers for Phoenix.
53:36It's now 9-4 on that ledger.
53:41Booker has smart, the former defensive player of the year, right in front of him.
53:45Now, here's Dylan Brooks.
53:47He's directing traffic.
53:48He's working one-on-one with LaRavia.
53:50He really wants to shoot it, and Jake just stayed right with him.
53:54Drifting up the shot on the way up.
53:57Reeves, eight, a little double clutch, and he scores.
54:01What a play by Jake LaRavia.
54:03Great defense by Jake LaRavia.
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