Red-Hot Lakers Look to Extend Dominance in Division Clash vs. Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers (15–4) return home on Monday night for a key Pacific Division showdown against the Phoenix Suns, with an opportunity to stretch their winning streak to eight straight games.

This matchup at Crypto Arena isn’t just another date on the schedule — it’s an early-season statement game that could shape the division race.

📺 How to Watch: Lakers vs. Suns

• Date: December 1
• Time: 12:00 AM BRT (late Monday into early Tuesday)
• Location: Crypto Arena, Los Angeles
• Broadcast: ESPN & Disney+

Looking for where to watch the Lakers game today? This matchup will be available live on both ESPN and Disney+ nationwide.

🔥 Lakers Enter December on a Tear

At this point, it’s becoming a welcome routine: the Lakers are rolling.

Aside from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 12-game streak, no team in the league is hotter than Los Angeles. The Lakers closed November with seven wins in a row, showcasing elite offense, improved defensive execution, and full chemistry across the roster.

But December is shaping up to be one of the toughest stretches of the season. It includes:

• The knockout rounds of the NBA Cup
• A demanding East Coast road trip
• The annual Christmas Day matchup
• Multiple Pacific Division battles — including tonight’s game vs. the Suns

Division games matter more than they appear. In tight playoff races, division record is a critical tiebreaker. The Lakers currently lead the Pacific, with Phoenix trailing by 3.5 games, followed by the Warriors, Clippers, and Kings.

Winning tonight is the equivalent of swinging two games in the division standings.

Even on a back-to-back, this is anything but “just another regular-season night.”

It’s about control, separation, and momentum.

🩹 Injury Notes, Matchups & What LA Must Do to Win

The Lakers have yet to release their final injury report — updates are expected closer to tipoff. Barring late surprises, the core rotation should be available, though minutes could be managed due to the back-to-back.

For the Suns:

• Ryan Dunn — probable
• Jalen Green — out
• Isaiah Livers — out

Phoenix will be thinner on the wing, something Los Angeles must exploit with targeted attacks and early pressure.

A promising trend: the Lakers are 2–1 this season in the second half of back-to-backs, showing no signs of taking their foot off the gas.

To start December with the right tone, the formula is straightforward:

• Maintain efficient shot selection after a tougher shooting night on Sunday
• Apply strong point-of-attack defense and consistent pressure on Devin Booker
• Control pace and force Phoenix’s depleted rotation into heavy minutes

Do that — and the Lakers are in strong position to secure an important division win.

🏀 Projected Starters

Lakers:

Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic

Suns:

Jalen Williams, Royce O’Neale, Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, Ryan Gillespie