Suns vs. Lakers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Phoenix Suns (24-5) play against the Los Angeles Lakers (15-15) at STAPLES Center Game Time: 10:00 PM EST on Tuesday December 21, 2021 Phoenix Suns 54, Los Angeles Lakers 52 (Half) What’s the buzz on Twitter? Gerald Bourguet @ GeraldBourguet The …

The Phoenix Suns (24-5) play against the Los Angeles Lakers (15-15) at STAPLES Center

Game Time: 10:00 PM EST on Tuesday December 21, 2021

Phoenix Suns 54, Los Angeles Lakers 52 (Half)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Suns have the best record in the NBA, and the entire halftime show is about the 16-15 Lakers – 11:07 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Spent over half his life in the NBA. And still doing this. pic.twitter.com/cy07ppJGBZ11:05 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 54 #Lakers 52 Half.
PHX: Ayton 13 (11 in 1st quarter). 6-of-6 FGs. Booker 11 and 7. Team: 44.7% (3-of-22 on 3s: 2-of-13 in 1st half).
LAL: James 19 (9-of-13 FGs), Westbrook 10 (5-of-11). Team: 44.9% FG (6-of-17 on 3s).
Turnovers: PHX 5 (2 LAL points) LAL 3 (4 PHX points) – 11:02 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Fake it till you make it. pic.twitter.com/TAQiYoSQyL11:02 PM

David Locke @DLocke09
Suns are 3 of 22 from three and up 2 at the half. I think they will be ok – 11:01 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns 3-of-22 from 3 and still up 2 at the half.
LeBron has been great with 19 points but Suns have mostly done their job. Five of his nine FGs have been long jumpers.
Phoenix won’t be in any trouble if that execution on both ends is back for the second half. – 11:01 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Such a smart dive by LeBron, giving THT an outlet on a drive with nowhere to go, and clock running down. Dude just sees everything. AK – 11:01 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
HALFTIME: Suns 54, Lakers 52.
Lakers have some thoughts that they’re sharing with the refs about getting just three free throws in that half. LeBron with 19 points on 9 for 13 shooting. Russ with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Ariza is 4 for 4 with 11 points. – 11:00 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Phoenix runs such great lob plays in SLOB situations. Ayton obviously makes a lot of that possible but Monty Williams is also just such a nice play-designer. – 11:00 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 54, LAL 52
Ayton: 13 Pts, 6 Reb, 6-6 FG
Booker: 11 Pts, 7 Reb, 4-8 FG
Bridges: 9 Pts, 3-11 FG
James: 19 Pts, 9-13 FG
PHX: 3-22 3P – 11:00 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
After Chris Paul drew that charge, LeBron James had the kind of reaction that would make me not surprised if LeBron never invited CP on the banana boat again – 10:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LeBron dunk, called for delay of game as ball went out of bounds after he slammed to to the floor. #Suns up two. – 10:59 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Trevor Ariza is why I’d prefer the Lakers trade for a guard over a forward, if possible.
He can’t play starter minutes anymore but I feel pretty comfortable with him closing at the non-LeBron forward spot. There’s no 3-and-D guard currently on the roster I can say that about. – 10:58 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Chris Paul takes charge as LeBron James ran into him after making the pass.
Foul on James.
Then Paul hits midrange shot. #Suns up four. – 10:58 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
James 3.
Really. A 3.
#Suns lead down to two. – 10:56 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Cool to see Trevor Ariza out there. Still can’t believe it took him this long to get back in Purple and Gold, but cool to see him back in LA. – 10:55 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker having words with referee after traveling call.
#Lakers fans called for technical foul.
Didn’t happen. #Suns up 50-47 late in 1st half. – 10:54 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
a feel-good reunion with LeBron, IT and Jae Crowder all sharing the floor together once again – 10:54 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Book converting the second chance. 👌 pic.twitter.com/KTTEqykLbi10:53 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns are 3-for-22 from 3-point range, but the majority of them have been wide open and they’re still up by 1. Some of those looks start falling and this quickly becomes a blowout – 10:53 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Trade DeAndre Jordan back to Brooklyn for the Kyle Korver copy machine. – 10:53 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Trevor Ariza has made all five of his shot attempts since debuting for the Lakers. – 10:53 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ariza 3. #Suns up one despite 3-of-22 from 3. – 10:53 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
When did Sean Payton take over the Los Angeles Lakers coaching job – 10:52 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Maybe the Lakers’ universal disdain for Jae Crowder will jumpstart their team chemistry. – 10:52 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Techs on Crowder, Anthony. #Suns up four after Payne 3-point play. – 10:52 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Offsetting techs for Melo and Crowder as they jaw back and forth across the lane. – 10:52 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
mikal bridges remaining aggressive on offense despite a lackluster shooting night is the kind of growth you truly, actually, entirely love* to see
(*unless you’re one of the 29 teams for which he doesn’t play) – 10:52 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LeBron 3. #Suns lead down to 1. – 10:50 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
💪 so strong down there, @Chris Paul 💪 pic.twitter.com/N7dljGVToJ10:50 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James subs in for Deandre Jordan. That might mitigate the Lakers’ big-man issue, but yet another responsibility for LeBron to handle. – 10:50 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges drive, stop, reverse, fouled by Jordan.
#Suns up three as Bridges completes 3-point play. – 10:50 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
JaVale attacking down low. pic.twitter.com/91W9kqEmQv10:47 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think Jokic, Gobert and Embiid are pretty comfortably the All-NBA centers, and Karl-Anthony Towns is probably fourth, but Ayton is absolutely in the conversation if there’s an injury or two. Pretty meaningful considering his upcoming contract negotiations. – 10:47 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
The Lakers are so embarrassing with their lack of rim protection. And it happens all the time. – 10:46 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges block on Westbrook, who fouls him after falling down.
Tie game as Ayton scores inside. Now 6-of-6 for 13 points.
42-42. #Suns #Lakers10:46 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Lol you just knew Mikal Bridges was going to swat that as soon as Westbrook went into his shooting motion – 10:45 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
AD isn’t available to play, but Jae Crowder still got a groin shot courtesy of THT. – 10:44 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker with 11 as he and Ayton return to the floor. #Suns down two. – 10:44 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Ariza. In a Lakers uniform. On home court.
It’s just right. pic.twitter.com/PbfkSXSOOH10:41 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns have the advantage still if this turns into mismatch hunting but it’s gotta be with the ball moving still. Ball movement has been there tonight. – 10:41 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Suns 2-18 from 3 so far, and it’s not like the Lakers are contesting a lot of them. – 10:41 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 3-of-20 from 3.
Went 2-of-13 in 1st quarter.
Still only down six, 42-36, with 6:24 left in 1st half. #Lakers10:41 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Melo on an island defending CP3 is not gonna end well. AK – 10:40 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
lol, Melo straight up bulldozed Shamet to create a lane for Thomas — he’s been a *bully* this season, using his body to beat up smaller guys – 10:38 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Lakers playing downhill and consistently getting to rim.
#Suns down four as Paul completes 3-point play. – 10:38 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns that do not play center are shooting 4-of-24 – 10:37 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Ariza hits another 3, he’s got 8pts…Lakers up 38-30 – 10:36 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Got back-to-back open 3s from Johnson and Paul.
Both missed.
Then Ariza hits 3 as McGee fouls the screener, Thomas.
So Thomas gets the FT. Makes it. #Suns down eight. – 10:36 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
The Lakers strategy of giving the Suns wide open 3’s and praying they miss has been remarkably effective thus far – 10:36 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Great sequence from Ariza: Gave up the ball to Russ to avoid a closeout then cut to the rim for the bucket. Just now used an IT screen for an and-1 3-pointer. He moves the ball and uses his teammates in a way the Lakers really need to do more. – 10:35 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
JaVale McGee (6 points, 5 rebounds, 3-4 FG) and Deandre Ayton (11 points, 3 rebounds, 5-5 FG) are feasting on the interior against the smaller Lakers tonight. The problem is the Suns just can’t buy a bucket from the perimeter (2-for-18) – 10:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
The degree of difficulty on some of McGee’s releases around the basket.
Crazy. #Suns down two. – 10:34 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
This lineup to start the second quarter: James, Melo, Ariza, Thomas, Russ. Feels like the Lakers don’t think Dwight is ready to play after a week in the protocols, which it seemed like Fizdale was hinting at. Going to be tough to rebound against these guys all night. – 10:33 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 2-of-15 from 3. – 10:33 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Lakers staying small.
Westbrook, Thomas, Anthony, James, Ariza.
Monty Williams said he expected Lakers to go to this moving forward after seeing it in #Bulls game. #Suns down one. – 10:32 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers open 25-24 lead over Suns end of first quarter behind 10 points from LeBron James and 8 points from Russell Westbrook. – 10:30 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
New building. Same JaVale McGee goaltending. AK – 10:29 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Expert of the mid-range. pic.twitter.com/KoNBqfCnW610:29 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty talks a lot about looking at shot quality as opposed to the actual %s the Suns shot and that quarter was a prime example.
Those will start to go down. – 10:29 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
This Westbrook-Booker matchup?
#Suns down one as stars are showing up.
Ayton. 11. Booker 9 for Phoenix.
James 10, Westbrook 8 for L.A. – 10:29 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
After Q1: Lakers 25, Suns 24.
Funky game. LeBron got out to a rousing start with 10 points, but the second unit was a weird one, letting the Suns make this neck-and-neck. There’s been some good things, but it feels like the Lakers are trying to feel out lineup issues w/o Davis. – 10:29 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: LAL 25, PHX 24
Ayton: 11 Pts, 3 Reb, 5-5 FG
Booker: 9 Pts, 5 Reb, 2-5 3P
James: 10 Pts, 5-7 FG
Suns shot 2-for-13 from 3 and 9-for-25 overall and are only down by 1 – 10:28 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Devin Booker is enjoying going at Russell Westbrook on both sides of the court. – 10:27 PM
Rick Noland @RickNoland
Little Isaiah Thomas who spells first name right still annoys me – 10:27 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker 3. Again. #Suns up 3. – 10:26 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns current lineup: Payne, Shamet, Booker, Johnson, McGee.
Thoughts? – 10:26 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
How’s it going down there, @itsjojosiwa? pic.twitter.com/MWKRFH8W3k10:26 PM

NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
👑 Watch the Throne 9s for @LeBron James tonight! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/GULOD3X1dQ10:26 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Lakers respond with going small by posting up their small ball 5 on b2b possessions
Suns now in the lead – 10:26 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ariza 3. Tie game – 10:25 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker 3. #Suns up 3. – 10:25 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Lakers going small. Westbrook, Thomas, Ariza, Carmelo and Rondo.
Looks like Ariza at the five. #Suns10:24 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Deandre Ayton, having an All-Star season. His patience and touch around the rim… – 10:22 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
A Long Two for Devin Booker appeared to be the Suns’ first 3 to fall but not yet.
With all the missed shots it’s still a tie game. – 10:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Hahahahaha “finally the Suns get a 3-pointer to fall!”
It was a Devin Booker long 2 – 10:21 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker jumper. First hit on four attempts. #Suns tie game up.
Timeout #Lakers. 2:28 left in 1st. – 10:21 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
“Watch The Throne” 9s for @LeBron James tonight 👑 pic.twitter.com/BQtQxDqOQS10:21 PM

Dan Favale @danfavale
i was not emotionally prepared to see russ, isaiah thomas and rondo on the court at the same time – 10:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
McGee has been the best #Suns addition, is playing well and been a huge difference maker this season.
BUT
When Ayton is 5-of-5 for 11 points, would you have taken him out?
#Suns are sticking with usual rotation. McGee already has two rebounds and block.
Just asking. #Suns10:20 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Early tech on Russ. Booker makes the shot, which is surprisingly his first point 9 minutes into the game. Lakers up 18-16. – 10:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
McGee rejection of Westbrook. #Suns10:19 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
2⃣,0⃣0⃣0⃣ assists!
@Devin Booker becomes the 6th-youngest in @NBA history to 9K PTS & 2K ASTS, trailing only Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James & Gilbert Arenas. pic.twitter.com/v8cJehYh9O10:18 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
LeBron at the 5. That’s a matchup DA has been able to handle in the past, going back to his rookie year. Suns will run ball screen after ball screen to try and wear James out. – 10:18 PM
Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
Are we supposed to be concentrating on something other than that guy in the remarkable purple suit next to where Crowder went out of bounds? – 10:17 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Lakers have no answer for Ayton. Has 11 on 5-of-5 shooting. #Suns down five. – 10:17 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Man, LeBron’s shot is here in L.A. He’s 5 for 7 from the field, looking to gun early. – 10:17 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Crowder diving over chairs, people, landed on other side. #Suns down seven. – 10:17 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns 0-for-6 from 3, two misses for Bridges in the short midrange he normally makes and two turnovers from Booker.
BUT Ayton has 9 of the Suns’ 11 points and is keeping ’em within range despite all that. – 10:16 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Deandre Ayton: 9 points, 4-4 FG
Rest of Suns: 2 points, 1-9 FG
DA is carrying the offense so far – 10:16 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton 4-of-4. Nine points. #Suns down five. – 10:16 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Suns are trying to pick on Ellington, forcing him to rotate inside then getting the ball to his man in the corner for shots. It’s happened at least three times now early on, the Suns just haven’t hit a ton of shots. – 10:14 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges starts 0-for-5, Suns are 3-for-11 and 0-for-6 from 3 and the Suns have 6 points in 6 minutes. I’ve seen better starts. – 10:14 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton lob dunk off Booker feed. #Suns down eight. – 10:14 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron setting the tone with his aggressiveness. His teammates are following suit – 10:14 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Westbrook over Bridges. #Suns down 10. – 10:14 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LeBron 8 points. #Suns down eight. – 10:13 PM
John Ireland @LAIreland
If you’re looking for the Lakers on the radio, we’re on 1110 AM tonight. Rams on 710.
Lakers off to a good start–lead 12-6 over the Suns, 6:56 to go in first quarter #Lakers10:11 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jae Crowder caught an inadvertent hand in his face from James after a finish and was trying to shake it off. Suns call a timeout down 12-6 early. – 10:11 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Looks like Jae Crowder took a hand to the face from LeBron James on that drive. Suns down 12-6 early – 10:10 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Crowder took shot to face from James on that finish by James.
Timeout #Suns. Down 12-6 with 6:56 left in first quarter. – 10:09 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Spicy 12-6 start for the Lakers, pretty solid defense and four guys have scored. LeBron with six points. – 10:09 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Couple of wild passes leads to 2 early turnovers for Devin Booker. Still a bit of rust to shake off after all – 10:09 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Devin Booker threw an errant pass that flew over the courtside fans. Jeanie Buss caught the ball in her seat. – 10:08 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Two turnovers early for Booker. #Suns10:08 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LeBron four points. #Suns down 10-6 as Ayton answers. Has four as well. – 10:07 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
5-4 #Lakers as Ayton scores. #Suns10:07 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Looks like Ayton trimmed down the hair even more. #Suns10:05 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Chris Paul made it a point to get DeAndre Jordan to switch so he could attack one-on-one. After pulling up for a mid-range, CP talking trash to his former teammate afterwards – 10:05 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Crowder on James but Suns switching a lot
Westbrook on Paul
THT on Booker – 10:04 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
The @Minnesota Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his 5,000th career rebound tonight.
Among players who have debuted since the ABA-NBA merger, only Dwight Howard reached 10,000 points and 5,000 rebounds at a younger age. pic.twitter.com/SJ8gFzyEVO10:03 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Westbrook to the rim. #Suns down 2-0. – 10:03 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
before suns and lakers tip off, here’s a column i wrote today about how anthony davis hasn’t been the savior los angeles thought he’d be: si.com/nba/2021/12/21…9:59 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Suns basketball coming up. pic.twitter.com/1zo6soRX279:50 PM

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
THT 🔙
#SuitingUpTogether | @ToyotaSoCal pic.twitter.com/qb8tIF0bWh9:50 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LeBron James. #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/zbCoswvTW49:48 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns #Lakers starting lineups: pic.twitter.com/0N6Vp61mny9:37 PM

Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
Jalen Ramsey with the rock the baby celebration that Russell Westbrook does. – 9:34 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
David Fizdale on LeBron’s workload: “I’m not here that long. That’s easy for me to say as an assistant. Obviously, the higher ups & our medical team would have to make those decisions. But the way he prepares himself & the liveliness he brings to the game, I don’t.” – 9:32 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lakers are starting LeBron James, Talen Horton-Tucker, DeAndre Jordan, Wayne Ellington and Russell Westbrook – 9:31 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Talen Horton-Tucker is, in fact, starting in his first game out of protocols. LeBron, DeAndre, Wayne and Russ round out the Lakers’ starting group. – 9:31 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Starters vs Lakers
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/OXwfI9Y2SL9:30 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Clocked in to the night shift. pic.twitter.com/IZb6vIOm049:15 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Lakers’ acting coach David Fizdale: “We have to understand that everyone on this team is a role player when it comes to taking care of the basketball and when it comes to blocking out. Right now, we’re getting our butt kicked in the possession game.” – 9:13 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I think if you listen to the narratives and storylines early in the season, you probably wouldn’t think so, but I think when you step on the court, I think you feel a respect from the other teams.” #Suns coach Monty Williams. pic.twitter.com/0p3lbAuSqf9:11 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
David Fizdale says Monty Williams is on the trajectory to becoming an “Hall of Fame” coach. #Suns pic.twitter.com/wbUiGIZgRA9:06 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/gmxBL4lKLH8:59 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
the best part of LeBron’s cigar is you can tell it’s actually been smoked. – 8:51 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Talen and Dwight, back in the cut pic.twitter.com/J6c8RnZIw38:48 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Suns coach Monty Williams on Chris Paul addressing the group recently about the pandemic and increased cases, and how everyone “can do their part” to help keep the team safe pic.twitter.com/TYC7tIiooi8:44 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
In response to rising cases, Monty Williams said Chris Paul addressed the Suns as a team about what they all can do to do their part in minimizing the spread of COVID and keeping each other safe – 8:42 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Suns coach Monty Williams on getting everyone’s best shot pic.twitter.com/QZevT3pOv18:40 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I haven’t seen that. I think he was even more focused.”
#Suns coach Monty Williams on Deandre Ayton not reacting negatively to not receiving the rookie max extension he wanted.
Ayton, #Suns didn’t agree to any sort of extension. – 8:40 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Suns coach Monty Williams on Deandre Ayton’s maturity and how it’s grown even with not getting an extension this season pic.twitter.com/uiyGVctTp28:39 PM

Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks starting Sterling Brown, Frank Ntilikina, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson. Small, for sure, but it should be interesting. – 8:38 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“They guard for 24 seconds.” David Fizdale on #Suns, who are a top 3 defense this season. #Lakers pic.twitter.com/yHHiP8cYi18:25 PM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
David Fizdale on Suns coach Monty Williams and why he’s a “Hall-of-Fame” coach pic.twitter.com/yLQaKTnAvl8:23 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Fiz says he steals concepts and plays from Monty Williams as much as any coach in the league. He calls Williams a “Hall-of-Fame-type coach to me” with the trajectory he’s on in Phoenix. – 8:23 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker are available, #Lakers coach David Fizdale said as both have cleared health and safety protocols.
Said Horton-Tucker may get the start. #Lakers #Suns pic.twitter.com/EBLdCvt5hH8:20 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
David Fizdale says the coaching staff is still talking about the workload for Talen and Dwight tonight; Talen could start. Staff is still checking on Dwight and “where he’s at.” – 8:17 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
David Fizdale said THT and Dwight Howard will be available tonight vs Suns – 8:16 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
David Fizdale: “THT and Dwight have cleared health and safety protocols, so they’ll be available tonight.” – 8:16 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Remember him?
Former #Suns guard Isaiah Thomas with #Lakers. pic.twitter.com/IdhZzkNNGt8:15 PM

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Home floor. National TV.
#LakeShow x @DWS_Group pic.twitter.com/uNsoSEwdO38:15 PM

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
LA Gold
#LakeShow x @bibigoUSA pic.twitter.com/1LctCI4yZZ7:55 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Game night in LA. #Suns #Lakers pic.twitter.com/nnR4ru06Tu7:31 PM

Bill Oram @billoram
LAKERS/SUNS INURY UPDATE
Oram (right foot fracture, tripping over son’s Razor scooter) is out. pic.twitter.com/CPQ7L1UtSq7:23 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
ICYMI, some pregame listening: Tuesday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast. We talk about Anthony Davis’ present and future as a Laker cornerstone, and why fans will be watching Fizdale closely. @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-…7:23 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Lakers have signed Jemerrio Jones to a 10-day deal. They also waived Chaundee Brown Jr. and signed Mason Jones to a two-way contract. – 6:51 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
News items today for the Lakers:
– Dwight Howard and Talen Horton-Tucker clear health and safety protocols.
– Signing of Jemerrio Jones to a 10-day contract.
– Waiving of Chaundee Brown.
– Signing of Mason Jones from the @SouthBayLakers to a 2-way contract. – 6:51 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
No Kristaps Porzingis tonight, the Mavs say.
With Maxi Kleber also out, I’d assume we see some Moses Brown or even Boban Marjanovic. Not sure how they’re gonna try and check KAT outside of Dwight Powell (and doubles). – 6:50 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Russell Westbrook got a vote in The Athletic’s “Who will be the best player in the NBA five years from now” poll.
I don’t have any commentary on what I think 38-year-old Russell Westbrook will be as a player besides the obvious, but I thought people should see this. pic.twitter.com/93LLWDCOjC6:48 PM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Lakers also make it official that they’ve signed Jemerrio Jones to a 10-day contract: pic.twitter.com/owW1QTBKKJ6:47 PM

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
OFFICIAL: The Lakers have signed Mason Jones to a two-way contract and Jemerrio Jones to a 10-day contract. pic.twitter.com/IndPPwli5s6:45 PM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Lakers make it official that they’ve waived Chaundee Brown and signed Mason Jones to a two-way contract: pic.twitter.com/5e9CjMgOCo6:44 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers have officially waived Chaundee Brown to sign Mason Jones to a two-way spot. – 6:42 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Kalamian said he talks to Hayes about using his body and physicality to his advantage. “We talk about his size more than anything.” Has compared him to guys with similar body structure, such as Westbrook and DeRozan. – 6:10 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
The Lakers waived Chaundee Brown to create a two-way roster spot for Mason Jones, league sources tell @TheAthletic. – 5:59 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Can LeBron James handle an even bigger workload without Anthony Davis & a diminished Lakers’ roster? How does Devin Booker look after his return to the Suns? I discuss those storylines and more on @NBATV at 3:10 pm PT on.nba.com/3H7FNkX5:57 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
A one of a kind game viewing experience. 🤩
@JimBeam Barrel Bar seats have just been released for our Christmas Day game vs. GSW, which include access to the complimentary buffet plus beer & wine. – 5:47 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
“Now that I got a piece of it, there’s nothing else that I can look back towards. People know what type of energy we’re on.”
I spoke with Devin Booker about being a 25-year-old vet, the stage of playing on Christmas and more (audio included in story): arizonasports.com/story/2943631/…5:28 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Congratulations to these Valley legends on being nominated! 👏
@Hoophall | #ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/28sFO2RNgN4:56 PM

Mark Followill @MFollowill
The Mavs have signed Marquese Chriss to a 10-day contract under the league’s Covid-related hardship allowance. 258 NBA games in 5 seasons with Phoenix, Houston, Cleveland and Golden State, avg 8 ppg and 5 rpg. He was the 8th pick of the 2016 Draft. – 4:45 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Mavericks have signed former #Suns forward Marquese Chriss to a 10-day contract under COVID-related hardship allowance. – 4:43 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
‘I got hit on my elbow’: #Suns All-Star Chris Paul explains grabbing left hand in Sunday’s win https://t.co/vfEmdqQYoX via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/jWBeDCtccm4:17 PM