Overview
- Cleared after a three-game absence for a left calf strain, Austin Reaves came off the bench for the first time since 2023 with his minutes monitored in Phoenix.
- Los Angeles fell 132-108 as the Suns shot 59% from the field, with Devin Booker posting 21 points and 11 assists and Dillon Brooks adding 25.
- Luka Dončić was ruled out with a lower-left-leg contusion and remains day-to-day, with ESPN reporting he could still play on Christmas against the Rockets.
- Head coach JJ Redick continued to campaign for Reaves’ first All-Star selection, with the guard in a career year at roughly 27.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game.
- Reaves’ rise has intensified roster and contract discussions, including an analyst’s trade-fit critique and the Lakers’ ability to offer a five-year deal of about $241 million via Bird Rights.