Short-Handed Lakers Return Home After 0-4 Road Trip, Set to Face Suns

The Lakers aim to rebound from a season-long losing streak with key players potentially returning for Sunday’s matchup against Phoenix.

The Lakers, now 40-25, dropped to the fifth seed in the Western Conference after a winless four-game road trip, their longest losing streak of the season.
Key injuries have plagued the team, with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, and others sidelined, though some players may return during the upcoming homestand.
Despite missing several starters, Austin Reaves and rookie Dalton Knecht delivered standout performances in Friday's narrow 131-126 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The Phoenix Suns, currently 11th in the Western Conference, improved their Play-In Tournament chances with a strong win over Sacramento, led by 22-point efforts from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Sunday's game marks the fourth meeting between the Lakers and Suns this season, with Los Angeles seeking to even the series at two wins apiece.