LA Lakers return home look to end losing skid against Phoenix Suns

LOS ANGELES – As Los Angeles coach J.J. Redick has noted, it was not too long ago that the Lakers were riding an eight-game win streak and considered serious National Basketball Association (NBA) title contenders.

Much has changed and after completing a disappointing 0-4 road trip, the Lakers (40-25) will look to regroup when they return home on March 16 (March 17, Singapore time) to face the Phoenix Suns (31-36).

Los Angeles have fallen to fifth spot in the Western Conference after losing 131-126 to the Denver Nuggets on March 14, when they played without three starters.

In addition to LeBron James (left groin strain),Luka Doncic (left calf injury management and right ankle sprain),and Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy),the team were without Jaxson Hayes (right knee bruise),Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) and Gabe Vincent (left knee injury management).

While James is expected to be sidelined for another week, the Lakers are hoping to have Doncic and the others back in the line-up as soon as their clash against the Suns.

Despite coming up short against Denver, guard Austin Reaves was encouraged by the team’s effort.

Los Angeles led 126-123 with 52 seconds remaining before the Nuggets escaped with the home win.

“We know when we are fully healthy and got everybody on the team that we have a really good chance to beat anybody,” he said.

“I just see this group, coming together, locking in on one common goal and that’s to win.

“And (against Denver) I think is the biggest testament to that. Very short-handed and went and played a really good basketball team... And went toe-to-toe and had an opportunity to win it and just didn’t execute the last 50 seconds.”

The Lakers are seeking a season split against Phoenix after losing two