Despite missing a few of their best players, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers defeated their Western Conference foe 107-96. Luka Doncic led the squad with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting 40% from the field. With 28 points and six assists against the Suns, Austin Reaves also had a fantastic game.
For most of the game, including a 23-2 run, the Lakers were in charge. The team’s overall 3-point shooting percentage of 35.9% was far higher than the Suns’ 22%. Los Angeles seized the chance presented by the opposition defense and dominated the entire game.
Before the game, head coach JJ Redick, via Shams Charania of The Athletic, gave an update regarding the health of James and Hachimura.
“LeBron James is having his first workout since that groin injury last weekend,” Charania reported. “He’s hacing his first on-court workout in Los Angeles today. He is expected to miss at least another week.
“Rui Hachimura has been out eight consecutive games with a knee injury. I’m told there’s optimism he’s gonna be back here within the week.”
Reporting for ABC NBA Countdown: LeBron James has his first on-court workout today – with ESPN footage – plus a Lakers return timetable update: pic.twitter.com/xTeiMRblnp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 16, 2025
James is dealing with a groin injury and is expected to miss one to two weeks. Hachimura, on the other hand, has been out due to a knee issue. Fortunately for the Lakers, they had Jaxson Hayes and Dorian Finney-Smith back in the lineup. Hayes had a right knee contusion and missed the last four games. Finney-Smith, meanwhile, missed their game against the Denver Nuggets because of his left ankle injury management.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach spoke highly of Jordan Goodwin
The Los Angeles Lakers had a unique starting five against the Suns, as they had Jordan Goodwin play as small forward. Originally, Goodwin has always been a facilitator. Although at 6-foot-5, Redick thought he was big enough to play small forward.
After the game, the 26-year-old player had a quiet game with two points and three rebounds. Defensively, Goodwin had a great game with his two blocks. Although his numbers doesn’t get much attention, Redick spoke highly of his impact in the game.
“Never judge a player based solely on his boxscore. Jordan Goodwin was incredible tonight and he had two points and four fouls. He set the tone for us,” the former NBA player said.
The head coach had been a fan of Goodwin’s game for quite some time. Redick revealed that the coaching staff fought hard for the front office to sign the former Phoenix Suns guard.
“Yeah. September, I don’t know the exact date he joined our preseason gym, but it would’ve happened sooner had he not hurt his hamstring. The coaching staff was all fighting for him.”
"Proud of the group for their level of fight and resiliency."
JJ Redick speaks with @LakersReporter and the media after the Lakers fall to the Nuggets, 131-126. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/igBPg36dFP
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 15, 2025
Goodwin has only played 12 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
