Here is what you need to know before the Lakers end their road trip against the
Phoenix Suns.
1) Lonzo is looking for a repeat performance In his last game, Lozno Ball
messed around and racked up 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds (plus four
blocks and three steals) for the youngest triple-double in NBA history.
The 20-year-old was excellent negotiating pick-and-rolls, pushed the ball in
transition and sunk a trio of 3-pointers, giving the Lakers exactly what they
need from the point guard spot.
In his encore performance, Ball will look for another huge night against the
Suns.
Two weeks ago, Lonzo strolled into Phoenix and left with 29 points, 11 rebounds
and nine assists, narrowly missing that youngest triple-double record in just
his second career game.
Ball took over that game by attacking the basket, leading the Lakers to 132
points in a narrow win. Look for the rookie to come out aggressively again
versus the Suns’ last-place defense.
Lonzo Ball finished with 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds, becoming the
youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
pic.twitter.com/x8axRV6bb9
2) Turnovers have cost the Lakers The Lakers are seeking to finally capture
a win on this road trip after going fruitless against three Eastern Conference
contenders: Washington, Boston and Milwaukee.
Despite facing teams loaded with all-stars, the Lakers had a shot at winning
each of those games, thanks largely to their sixth-ranked defense and fast-paced
play.
However, the other end of the floor has seen L.A. waste far too many
possessions.
The Lakers have committed 19-plus turnovers in each game on this trip — an
unsuitable number against such stacked opponents. The purple and gold will have
to focus on ball security in what promises to be an up-and-down battle between
two teams among the NBA’s top four in pace.
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A post shared by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Nov 11, 2017 at 6:18pm PST
3) Phoenix is on the upswing Since firing head coach Earl Watson three games
into the season, the Suns have been competitive under interim coach Jay Triano.
Also head coach of the Canadian National Team, Triano has guided Phoenix to a
5-6 record in his brief tenure.
While the Suns did lose five straight under Triano recently, they broke out in a
big way on Saturday.
Phoenix has always been a guard-oriented team, and this year is no different
with Devin Booker and T.J. Warren leading Triano’s offense.
A couple of dangerous slashers, Booker and Warren lit up Minnesota for 35 points
apiece — becoming the first Suns teammates to hit that total since Steve Nash
and Amar’e Stoudemire — and pushed their team to victory while gaining a bit of
momentum before facing the Lakers.
Injury Report Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (fractured second metacarpal, left hand)
is out. Suns: Greg Monore (left calf strain), Jared Dudley (right knee
contusion), Derrick Jones Jr. (G League assignment), Brandon Knight (left ACL
tear), Alan Williams (right meniscus repair) and Davon Reed (left meniscus
repair) are out.
Tip-Off: 6 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes Radio: 710 ESPN
and 1330 KWKW Unis: Gold Location: Talking Stick Resort Arena — Phoenix,
Arizona
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
Lonzo Ball made history. But the 20-year-old wanted the win more than the
triple-double.”I really don’t care. We took a loss, so it really doesn’t mean
nothing.” https://t.co/zElHpZYmt0 pic.twitter.com/jbIDzeQFqT
Player: Lonzo Ball
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