Suns vs Lakers Preview: Playoff Push Meets Luka Era

Friday’s game feels like a season snapshot: Phoenix transformed after big changes, and they travel to face the Lakers in Los Angeles. The Suns surprised people by fighting for a playoff spot while replacing Kevin Durant. Devin Booker will sit out Friday for rest, so Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen should handle more playmaking and shooting. Jalen Green is questionable with a knee injury, and Haywood Highsmith and Jordan Goodwin are out for this game.

Los Angeles plays this game without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so LeBron James must carry more offensive burden. The Lakers still look like a strong team, but their identity is shifting toward Luka’s future even while LeBron leads now. Jaxson Hayes is questionable, so Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme might play bigger roles inside. Expect LeBron to use his experience to create shots and passes under pressure as the Lakers chase playoff positioning.

This matchup tests depth and bench players while both teams manage injuries late in the season. Watch how Phoenix replaces Booker and how the Suns defend without their usual scorer. For the Lakers, see how LeBron handles more shots and whether Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme control the paint. Can Jalen Green return and add scoring, or will Collin Gillespie steer the offense? Small lineup shifts could decide this game’s outcome.