Here is what you need to know before the Lakers face the Phoenix Suns.
1) Good to have Rondo back
Rajon Rondo wasted little time getting reacquainted with his teammates on Thursday.
Despite missing 34 of the Lakers’ first 48 games of the season, Rondo played like he’d been there all along, joining the starters and finishing with a 15-point, 13-assist double-double.
The Lakers were in dire need of someone to run the offense, especially with LeBron James (groin strain) and Lonzo Ball (ankle sprain) out. Rondo provided plenty of playmaking, handing out the third-most assists of any Laker in a game this season.
In Sunday’s loss to Minnesota, Rondo canned three 3-pointers and threw down a dunk on a fast-break. And while those were certainly highlight-worthy, his biggest contribution to the team will be his unique ability to control the half-court offense.
2) L.A. could use a Kuz boost
Kyle Kuzma was given the last two days of practice off to heal a nagging hip strain and is considered questionable for this game.
The sophomore has averaged the Lakers’ second-most points this year (19.1), but has struggled the two games since hurting his hip, shooting just 11-of-30 and missing all nine of his 3-point attempts.
Kuzma’s longterm health is the top priority in this situation, but the Lakers do need all the bodies they can get with James and Ball still sidelined.
3) Lakers need to learn from their mistakes
Here are the facts: Phoenix has lost seven straight, by an average of 19 points. During this stretch, the Suns are worst in defensive rating and second-worst on offense. They are last in the Western Conference by a mile — 9 1/2 games back of 14th-place Memphis.
And none of that should matter to the Lakers.
The only teams with a worse record than Phoenix are New York and Cleveland. The Lakers lost to both in a particularly rough stretch three weeks ago.
And they certainly shouldn’t underestimate a player like Devin Booker, who ranks among the NBA’s top 15 in both scoring and assists. Booker is certainly capable of winning a game on his own, and the Lakers need to bring full effort to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Injury Report
Lakers: Kyle Kuzma (left hip strain) is questionable. LeBron James (left groin strain) and Lonzo Ball (left ankle sprain) are out. Isaac Bonga and Johnathan Williams are on G League assignment.
Suns: Deandre Ayton (left ankle sprain) and Richaun Holmes (right foot strain) are questionable. T.J. Warren (right ankle soreness) and De’Anthony Melton (right ankle sprain) are out. George King is on G League assignment.
Tip-Off: 6:30 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW
Unis: White Association
Location: STAPLES Center — Los Angeles, California