PHOENIX — Anthony Davis is still sidelined by a foot injury, without a clear timetable for his return, and didn’t play Monday.

LeBron James also didn’t play against Phoenix because of a sore ankle. Russell Westbrook was a late addition to the OUT list because of foot soreness. Even Austin Reaves watched this one from the bench because of a sprained ankle.


What You Need To Know

  • The Lakers lost to the Suns on Monday, 130-104
  • The Lakers were missing their All-Star trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook
  • The most damaging stat was the Suns’ three-point shooting — 20 of 39 for a scintillating 51.3%
  • The Lakers don’t have a ton of young talent, and the earliest valuable draft pick they can deal is their first-rounder in 2027

The results were about as expected for the obviously depleted Lakers — a 130-104 loss to the Suns to kick off a flurry of road games over the next two weeks.

It wasn’t exactly a star-studded affair. Never mind the four missing Lakers, All-Star guard Devin Booker sat out for Phoenix because of a sore groin.

The Lakers (13-17) got 30 points from veteran guard Dennis Schroder but the main problem was their defense. Phoenix scored 68 points in the first half and had 99 going into the fourth quarter, not to mention a 22-point lead.

The most damaging stat was the Suns’ three-point shooting — 20 of 39 for a scintillating 51.3%.

Chris Paul had 28 points and eight assists while DeAndre Ayton hurt the Lakers in the paint with 21 points for the Suns (19-12).

There isn’t yet a clear diagnosis for Davis, who continues to seek medical opinions after injuring his right foot last Friday in a mid-air collision with Denver’s Nikola Jokic on a baseline drive. Davis is with the team on the road and sat in casual clothes on the bench Monday. He has not spoken to reporters since sustaining the injury.

“We’re evaluating all our guys, whoever has health issues, and we’ll have more information [Tuesday],” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after the game.

Perhaps James said it best when analyzing what the Lakers must do without Davis.

“We’re going to try to hold down the fort as long as we can,” he said Sunday. “I hope he has a clear mind…and he’ll get back on the floor sooner than later.”

James was then asked if the Lakers’ front office should make a trade to get the team some help while Davis remained sidelined.

“Not a question for me,” James said. “When I’m playing, I show up. I play the game…I’m not in the front office. We’ll see but I’m focused on the game.”

The Lakers don’t have a ton of young talent and the earliest valuable draft pick they can deal is their first-rounder in 2027.

Monday marked the Lakers’ first road game in a wave of upcoming ones. Six of the Lakers’ next seven game are away from home, including Wednesday in Sacramento against the surprisingly competitive Kings.

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