Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Preview, Analysis and Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a stunning loss against the Phoenix Suns on January 30, and the team will seek vengeance now that the battle has shifted to the Staples Center. Los Angeles defeated Phoenix there on November 16, and Round 3 of this battle is an opportunity for the team to get back on track and continue its quest for a late-season playoff run.

Phoenix ranks last in the Western Conference, so that should not be too difficult.

However, the Lakers are not exactly playing with a full deck. Seven-footer and low-post threat Pau Gasol will miss this game with a foot injury, and the team could be at the mercy of Dwight Howard's inconsistent play in Mike D'Antoni's run-and-gun system.

Phoenix also likes to run, which means the Lakers attack should be simple: Use the experience card. The Suns may have talent, but they are still a young squad searching for both a leader and an identity in the post-Steve Nash era.

Los Angeles needs to take advantage of that from the get-go, and that could mean a blowout victory in the City of Angels.

 

Time: Tuesday, February 12th, 10:30 p.m. EST

TV: Time Warner Cable Sportsnet, Fox Sports Arizona HD

Records: Phoenix Suns (17-35) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (24-28)

Betting Line: Phoenix (+9), Lakers (-9), via Bovada

Injuries: Jordan Hill (hip, out), Pau Gasol (foot, out), Channing Frye (heart surgery, out), via ESPN

 

Key Storyline: Lakers Seek Vengeance Win Following Stunning Upset



When the Lakers last faced the Suns on January 30, the team was on a three-game winning streak and working well together under a new approach. Rather than relying on star guard Kobe Bryant solely as a scorer, Los Angeles opted to use the five-time champion as a playmaker as well.

Moreover, seeing as how the team had defeated Phoenix 114-102 on November 16 thanks to 31 points from Brya...