Opinion
3 min read

Clash at Footprint Center: Los Angeles Lakers to Face Phoenix Suns

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to take on the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center, fans are eager for a glimpse of what might unfold. The Lakers, with a recent track record that's been less than stellar, are approaching this game with something to prove.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to facing the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 08, 2023 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.? (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

In their last outing on November 9 against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers fell short by a significant margin, scoring 94 points to the Rockets' 128. Their performance was marred by low efficiency and a defense that allowed too many points in paint. With only 42 percent field goal shooting and an abysmal 28 percent from beyond the arc, it's clear that offensive improvement is paramount.


However, there's more to this team than one game suggests. On November 7 against Miami Heat, they showed promise with better shooting percentages and an impressive fast break execution rate of nearly 67 percent. They led for over six minutes in that close encounter but ultimately lost by just one point.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to facing the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 08, 2023 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.? (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The key issue for LAL has been consistency; they've displayed moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of underperformance. Their defensive efforts need tightening up as well; allowing an average of over one point per possession in their past games is not sustainable if they aim for victory against PHX.


The Phoenix Suns will be no easy opponent. They come into this matchup after demonstrating strong offensive capabilities in their own recent games and will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from LAL.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to facing the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 08, 2023 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.? (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

For LAL fans hoping for a turnaround starting at Footprint Center on November 11th at 8:00 PM MST (10:00 PM EST), it will take more than hope—it'll require strategic adjustments and a renewed focus on both ends of the court. The team must leverage its bench strength more effectively while also improving its three-point shooting accuracy.


This upcoming game is not just another date on the calendar; it's an opportunity for LAL to pivot towards consistency and resilience—qualities they have been searching for since season start.


Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN channel 206 or follow along via SportsNet LA channel 691 if cheering from afar.

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