PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Lakers suffered another agonizing defeat, falling to the Phoenix Suns 113-110 on Thursday night after Royce O’Neale hit a three-pointer with ninth-tenths of a second remaining. This loss marks the Lakers’ third consecutive defeat and the third time this season they’ve lost three games in a row.
The Lakers rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, fueled by 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists from Luka Doncic. Despite this effort, and tying the score twice in the final minute with baskets from Austin Reaves and LeBron James, they could not secure the win.
The Suns, playing without Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jordan Goodwin due to injury, were 22 for 50 from three-point range. Grayson Allen drove to the basket and, after a collision between Doncic and James, passed to a wide-open O’Neale for the game-winning shot.
“Our losses are louder than other teams’ because we’re the Lakers and because of the way we lose,” coach JJ Redick said. Reaves, who missed the potential game-tying three-pointer, described the team’s frustration as “Highly high.”
LeBron James finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Phoenix was led by Grayson Allen with 28 points and six assists, and Collin Gillespie with 21 points.
The Lakers (34-24) will next face the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Saturday. Marcus Smart emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, stating, “The only way to gain out of This proves to preserve playing…We got to continue to trust and we can’t allow games like this to deter us from trusting in each other.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game between the Lakers and the Suns?
The final score was Phoenix Suns 113, Los Angeles Lakers 110.
Who scored the game-winning shot for the Suns?
Royce O’Neale scored the game-winning three-pointer for the Suns with ninth-tenths of a second left.
How many consecutive games have the Lakers lost?
The Lakers have lost three consecutive games.
How will the Lakers respond to this latest setback as they move forward in the season?
