Devin Booker Leads Phoenix Suns to Win Over Los Angeles Lakers; James Injures Ankle in Loss

(Photo : Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket defended by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Staples Center on December 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

The Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to four games on Tuesday night with a resounding 108-90 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Seven players scored in double-figures for the red-hot Suns, who improved their league-best record to 25-5.

Booker powers Suns in rout

Devin Booker led all Suns scorers with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field. He was lights out from beyond the arc, knocking down six of his 11 three-point attempts. Booker also had nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 32 minutes of action.

Deandre Ayton registered another double-double for the Suns, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Ayton, who made nine of his 11 field goal attempts, also recorded two assists and two steals in a brilliant all-around performance.

Mikal Bridges and Chris Paul were the other starters to score in double-figures for Phoenix, adding 14 and 11 points, respectively. Cam Johnson, Javale McGee and Cameron Payne provided the scoring punch off the bench, combining for 34 points and 23 rebounds.

The Suns continued to flourish on the road this season as they recorded their 11^th win in 14 away games. Phoenix improved to 2-2 on the road since the Suns' 18-game winning streak ended on December 3.

They benefited with the return of Devin Booker, who was making just his second start since suffering a hamstring injury. He increased his work load against the Lakers after playing just 26 minutes in the win over the Charlotte Hornets.

The Suns had to work hard for their victory with the Lakers putting on a brave fight in the first half. Phoenix entered the halftime break with just a 54-52 lead. The Suns, however, delivered a masterclass in the second half, extending their lead to as high as 20 points in the fourth quarter.

Lakers' losing woes continue

It was another disappointing defeat for the Lakers, who crashed to their third consecutive loss. The Lakers are in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak with Kent Bazemore, Avery Bradley, Malik Monk and Austin Reaves still in the league's health and safety protocols. The Lakers got a major boost, though, ahead of the game against the Suns with Talen Horton-Tucker and Dwight Howard clearing the COVID protocols.

Their return, however, offered little help to the Lakers, who continued to miss the services of Anthony Davis. He suffered a sprained MCL in the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last week and will be sidelined for at least a month.

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook carried the scoring cudgels for the Lakers in the loss to the Suns. James scored 34 points and grabbed seven rebounds while Westbrook recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

James suffered an ankle injury with 6:05 remaining in the third quarter and looked hobbled the rest of the game. James is adamant, though, that he will be ready for the Lakers' next game against the San Antonio Spurs.