Here is what you need to know before the Lakers aim to beat Phoenix for the
third time this season.
1) Ingram regained his aggressiveness in a career night Though the Lakers
beat the Suns in the beginning of the week, Brandon Ingram wasn’t much of a
factor, shooting just 2-of- from the field. While it was one of the quietest
nights of the sophomore’s season, he bounced back in a huge way.
Ingram was much more assertive in Wednesday’s loss to Philadelphia, racking up
26 points and 11 rebounds for career-highs in both categories.
As with most of his top scoring nights, Ingram opened up his game by using his
length to drive to the hoop. Once established, he started drilling mid-range
jumpers — a development that could pay dividends if made consistent.
Ingram already has one big game against the Suns this season — a 25-point
performance in Phoenix — and their bottom-three defense gives him a nice
opportunity of repeating.
Brandon Ingram set new career highs tonight with 24 points and 11 rebounds
against Philly. pic.twitter.com/j5wIN2qdaV
2) Kuzma continues to break out Ingram wasn’t the only Laker with a career
night on Wednesday, as rookie Kyle Kuzma’s 24 points were also a personal best.
It was the 27th pick’s fifth 20-point night, tying him with Donovan Mitchell for
most among rookies.
Like Ingram, Kuzma punished Philadelphia’s interior defense, as eight of his
nine baskets came at or around the rim.
But it was hardly a surprising performance for the player considered by many to
be the steal of the draft.
Kuzma is far outpacing the expectations of a late first-rounder, ranking third
among rookies in scoring (15.5), fourth in rebounds (6.8) and second in
double-doubles (four).
Kyle Kuzma topped his career high in scoring tonight with 24 points against the
Sixers. pic.twitter.com/iXwQYQIxw5
3) Phoenix is hurting for a win It has been a rough fortnight for the Suns,
who have lost seven of their last eight games, including to the Lakers on
Monday.
Like L.A., Phoenix has been unable to hit 3-pointers, ranking among the NBA’s
bottom five in made triples and percentage.
The difference is that the Lakers have competed on the defensive side of the
floor (ranking fourth in the NBA) while the Suns have not (28th).
However, though Phoenix surrendered a historic 90-point first half to Houston
last night, they still have the offensive firepower to give the Lakers some
problems.
Devin Booker averaged 30.5 points in his first two games against L.A., can score
from pretty much anywhere on the floor and is 15th in the NBA in points per
game.
His backcourt mate, T.J. Warren, is one of the league’s best slashers, and
Milwaukee import Greg Monroe had 20 points and 11 rebounds in his Suns debut
yesterday.
Like the Lakers, Phoenix loves to get out and run, with the second-fastest pace
in the NBA.
Between that tempo, Booker’s scoring and the team’s knack for getting to the
foul line, the Suns may be slumping but are capable of making this a shootout.
Injury Report Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (fractured second metacarpal, left hand)
is out. Suns: Tyson Chandler (illness) is questionable. 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: 7:30 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes Radio: 710
ESPN and 1330 KWKW Unis: Gold Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles,
California
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
As a part of “A Season of Giving” presented by East West Bank, @1ngram4 and
@kuzmakyle are out here handing out Thanksgiving meals to families in the
community. #LakersHoliday
A post shared by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Nov 16, 2017 at 7:25pm PST
Player: Brandon Ingram
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