Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) react during an altercation that resulted in a technical for Brooks during the second half of a game at at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The Suns' head coach Jordan Ott had a few choice words for the referees after his team's game against the Lakers.

However, the Lakers’ porous defense as of late prompted Redick to play Vanderbilt against the Suns. The Suns dominated the Lakers in their last matchup because of their energy and sheer will, so Vanderbilt was brought in to help match that.

The Los Angeles Lakers (17-7) visit the Phoenix Suns (14-11) on Sunday. Tip-off from Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, is at 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Suns odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

The upcoming match between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers is crucial for both teams aiming to avoid losing streaks. Key players will be absent, including Austin Reaves and Jalen Green, due to injuries.

Devin Booker will return for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing three games with a right groin strain. He was previously listed as questionable. Dillon Brooks is also available, as he was previously listed as questionable with left Achilles soreness. Brooks has been playing through that injury as of late.

After winning seven straight games, the Lakers have lost three of their last five games with a 17-7 record for fourth in the West. In their 132-117 loss to the Spurs, the speed of San Antonio's backcourt was L.A.'s Achilles heel, a trait that has been their kryptonite all season. Speed and quickness.

A trio of Los Angeles Lakers standard roster players will sit out the club's vengeance quest against the Phoenix Suns. The last time these two Western Conferenc