Key Takeaways:
- LeBron James secured victory by hitting two late free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining on Sunday night
- Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Phoenix Suns despite squandering a 20-point fourth quarter lead
- Devin Booker returned for Phoenix, topping the hosts’ scoring with 27 points
Match Analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers managed to repel a late surge from the Phoenix Suns to claim a narrow 116-114 victory on Sunday night. LeBron James led from the front, hitting two clutch free throws with just 3.9 seconds on the clock to secure the win after the Lakers had lost a substantial fourth quarter advantage.
Phoenix, trailing 99-79 with 7:48 left in the game, battled back and eventually took the lead at 114-113 following a three-pointer from Dillon Brooks over James. Contact occurred between the two players during the play, and Brooks then bumped James down the court, earning his second technical foul and subsequent ejection. The Lakers received a free throw for the technical, but James was unable to convert.
Got it done. pic.twitter.com/6JfYsKW32H
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 15, 2025
On Los Angeles’ next possession, James – who amassed a total of 26 points – was fouled by Devin Booker while attempting a three-point shot. The 40-year-old missed his first free throw but composed himself to convert the next two, nudging the Lakers back ahead at 115-114.
Phoenix’s final opportunity fell to Grayson Allen, but his shot at the buzzer missed its mark, allowing the Lakers to escape a late collapse with the win.
Key Player Performances
Luka Doncic marshalled the Lakers’ scoring with 29 points, while Deandre Ayton made an impact against his former side, registering 20 points and 13 rebounds. Ayton, the number one overall pick in 2018, was facing Phoenix for the first time since his departure after five seasons.
The Lakers’ relentless effort on the glass proved vital, as they pulled in a season-high 24 offensive rebounds, offsetting struggles from the field. Doncic particularly endured a cold shooting night, converting just seven of his twenty-five attempts and only two out of fourteen from beyond the arc.
Booker, meanwhile, starred for the Suns in his return from a groin injury that had forced him out of three games. The four-time All-Star scored 27 points and was clinical at the stripe, sinking thirteen of sixteen free throws.
Turning Points and Statistical Summary
Jaxson Hayes delivered a highlight-reel dunk over Oso Ighodaro late in the third quarter, handing the Lakers a 79-77 advantage with 2:24 to play in the period. This basket sparked an emphatic 24-0 Lakers run spanning the third and fourth quarters, culminating in a 95-77 lead. Despite the Suns’ determined response, Los Angeles weathered the comeback attempt in the closing moments.
| Top Scorer (Lakers) | Top Scorer (Suns) | Lakers Offensive Rebounds | Brooks Ejected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic (29 points) | Devin Booker (27 points) | 24 (Season-high) | 2 technical fouls |
Upcoming Fixtures
- Lakers will travel to Utah on Thursday night
- Suns are set to host Golden State on Thursday night
