This Lakers win was very strange, and it was due to pure inefficiency. There were so many bad passes and missed shots that Lakers fans were sincerely worried that this was an easy win that was going to end up in a loss.
Instead, they held on despite blowing a 20-point lead and defeated the Phoenix Suns 116-114 on Sunday night. No doubt, there are mixed feelings about this performance but one can argue that the most important thing was the win.
The game was almost blown when the Lakers couldn’t keep hold of the ball, looked lazy at times, and the stars were completely misfiring. Luka Doncic and LeBron James both had nights they’ll happily forget from the field, yet the game still ended with LeBron calmly standing at the line to make the game-winning free throws (going 2-3).
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t efficient. But it was a win, despite some iffy performances from key players. Now, on to the player ratings.
Deandre Ayton: A-
Game Stats: 20 PTS, 13 REB, 0 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 10-11 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 0-2 FT, 30 MIN
Ayton was everywhere early and never really slowed down. Against his old team, he played with a purpose, sealing deep, finishing through contact, and barely missing a shot all night. When the Lakers’ jumpers stopped falling, he became the safety valve, either scoring inside or creating second chances with offensive rebounds. The missed free throws were frustrating, but that was a small price to pay for how steady he was in the paint.
LeBron James: B+
Game Stats: 26 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 8-17 FG, 1-5 3-PT FG, 9-14 FT, 36 MIN
This wasn’t one of those nights where LeBron looked unstoppable, but it was still unmistakably his game when it mattered. He had to work for everything, missed a few looks he normally buries, and clearly felt the minutes. Still, he drove the action, defended hard, and kept putting pressure on the rim. And when Phoenix gave him a chance to decide it late, he stepped to the line and handled it, because that moment still belongs to him.
Luka Doncic: B+
Game Stats: 29 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 7-25 FG, 2-14 3-PT FG, 13-14 FT, 38 MIN
The efficiency wasn’t there, and Luka knew it. Shots that usually fall came up short or clanged off the rim, especially from three. But he never stopped pushing the issue. He attacked mismatches, drew fouls, and kept the offense organized when things got choppy. It wasn’t pretty, but even an off night from Doncic still bends the defense and keeps the Lakers afloat.
Jaxson Hayes: B+
Game Stats: 12 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 4-4 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 4-5 FT, 18 MIN
Hayes gave the Lakers exactly what they needed off the bench: energy, athleticism, and easy points. He ran the floor, finished everything around the rim, and made Phoenix pay on second chances. His dunk during the Lakers’ run was one of those moments that lifted the whole building, and the team with it.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B-
Game Stats: 7 PTS, 7 REB, 0 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 2-5 FG, 1-2 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 15 MIN
Vanderbilt’s impact went way beyond the box score. He flew around defensively, battled for loose balls, and kept possessions alive with effort plays. Nothing flashy, – just the kind of work that matters in a tight game when momentum is swinging back and forth.
Jake LaRavia: B-
Game Stats: 6 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 2-9 FG, 0-4 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 21 MIN
The shot never showed up for LaRavia, but his night was far from empty. He defended multiple spots, protected the rim, and consistently found himself in the middle of the action. His physicality helped the Lakers hold their ground during Phoenix’s runs, even when the offense wasn’t there.
Marcus Smart: C+
Game Stats: 8 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 2-7 FG, 1-5 3-PT FG, 3-4 FT, 32 MIN
Smart’s jumper wasn’t cooperating, but he still left his mark. He directed traffic, made timely defensive plays, and wasn’t afraid to mix it up inside despite the size disadvantage. When things started to feel shaky, his presence helped steady the group, even if the offense never quite clicked.
Rui Hachimura: C
Game Stats: 3 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1-5 FG, 1-4 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 31 MIN
It was a tough night for Hachimura offensively. He stayed active, rebounded well, and competed defensively, but the shots just wouldn’t fall. Given his minutes, the Lakers needed more scoring punch, and it never really came. The effort was fine – the results weren’t.
Gabe Vincent: C
Game Stats: 5 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 19 MIN
Vincent’s role was simple, and he mostly did it. He spaced the floor, hit a needed three, and didn’t hurt the team. There wasn’t much else in the box score, but in a tight rotation and a close game, those steady minutes still mattered.
