Lakers: Predicting How LA Will Fare Against The Pacific Division
2016-17 Scheduled Games
November 6, 2016 – Suns @ LAL
December 9, 2016 – Suns @ LAL
February 15, 2017 – LAL @ Suns
March 9, 2017 – LAL @ Suns
The Los Angeles Lakers & Phoenix Suns actually have a pretty deep and storied history together. It includes game-winners, buzzer beaters, playoff series, triple-overtime games and everything else you can think of. Simply put, it’s safe to say that unlike the Kings, there is a definite rivalry here. Anyone that says otherwise is lying to you.
The Suns got some help this summer by signing a few players from their own history. Longtime Phoenix favorites Jared Dudley & Leandro Barbosa both decided to rejoin the team they once called home.
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Although ESPN recently predicted the Lakers to finish last in the Western Conference standings, I believe that Phoenix is one of the teams that may have been over-ranked/overrated. The Suns, much like the Kings, don’t really have a clear direction for the team. And the Suns, unlike the Lakers, only have one potential future star in shooting guard Devin Booker.
Overall, I believe that the two clubs will split the season series at two games a piece. While the Lakers do have more talent, the Suns still have access to what has been the Lakers kryptonite for years.
That kryptonite being speedy, slashing point guards. Over the last decade, the Purple and Gold have been torched by point guards from Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Tony Parker, etc. Last year, the team even made Brandon Knight look like a Hall-of-Famer.
Until they show that their defense can finally change this, I expect it to continue.
Verdict: Series Split 2-2
Next: Lakers vs Sacramento Kings