CHICAGO — Kyle Kuzma had 23 points and eight rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won big on Sunday afternoon, scoring a lopsided 120-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Staples Center.
LeBron James didn’t have to carry the Lakers on his back but he finished with 22 points, six rebounds and eight dimes. Brandon Ingra, turned in 15 points while JaVale McGee and Michael Beasley each had 14 points with McGee adding eight rebounds to his name.
After a slow start in which they trailed 31-21 at the end of the opening quarter, the Lakers outscored Phoenix 40-15 in the second quarter to take a 61-46 advantage. That lead eventually ballooned to 21 heading in to the final period.
“I was very happy with our defensive effort again,” head coach Luke Walton told ESPN post-game after Los Angeles held the Suns to just 37 of 93 from the field (39.8 percent) and 13 of 33 from downtown (39.4 percent).
Richaun Holmes was the main man for Phoenix with 15. Josh Jackson and Trevor Ariza chipped in 13 apiece while DeAndre Ayton registered 10 points and 10 rebounds. Mikal Bridges accounted for 10.
The Lakers improved to 14-9 and are at fifth place in the Western Conference. The Suns dropped five in a row and are dead last in the entire NBA at 4-19.
