Overview
- Phoenix beat Los Angeles 132-108 as the Suns shot 59% from the field and 41% from three, with the Lakers also committing 17 turnovers and allowing 12 offensive rebounds.
- JJ Redick said the Lakers "just can't move" against younger, active teams and stressed that defensive effort is a choice made repeatedly throughout a game.
- Marcus Smart issued an urgent warning, saying opponents are trying to "kill" the Lakers and using expletives to describe the team’s current defensive level while placing responsibility on players.
- LeBron James pointed to breakdowns in transition, second-chance points and open threes, saying defense must function as five players working in concert.
- Reporting indicates the front office is evaluating perimeter defensive upgrades before the Feb. 5 deadline, with names such as Herb Jones and Keon Ellis mentioned as targets.