Los Angeles Lakers win against Phoenix Suns to dominate West.

On Taco Tuesday, November 12, the Los Angeles Lakers came out with a win against the newly revitalized Phoenix Suns.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a tougher test than they anticipated coming into the season when they hit the road Tuesday. With a few more wins under their belt than at this point last season and bold wins over all of the other California teams, the Phoenix Suns came in with more swagger in their step Tuesday night.

While most teams in the league would agree to defeat the Lakers is always satisfying, the Suns are finally in a position with this rebuilt team to stand a predictable chance.

In the years past, it has been a challenge for the arena to assert their Suns’ fandom with so many Los Angeles fans in Phoenix. However, this year, the Suns’ Nation was loud in booing the Lakers as they jogged out for the pregame warm-up.

Suns fans even packed the house, flaunting “Beat LA” signs. And while the crowd seemed to dawn a sea of purple jerseys, it was clear that the arena was filled with Angelinos and Phoenicians alike.

The Lakers came in with an obvious size advantage with the suspension of Suns’ sophomore center, Deandre Ayton. Early on, it didn’t seem to shake up too much as Aron Baynes, Frank Kaminsky and Dario Saric battled in the paint for the Suns.

Collectively they ended the night with 22 of the team’s 39 rebounds. But, with LeBron James facilitating as a ‘point forward’ for the Lakers, he collected 11 rebounds while still running the offense.

James shot 8-for-18 and only made two of his seven free throw attempts. Despite his shortcomings on the ball, he collected 19 points. In fact, James was well settled into his role as a facilitator with 11 assists, letting the rest of the Lakers flourish.

Anthony Davis, to no surprise, led the team with 24 points and 12 rebounds. He even snagged two steals and a block. While Suns’ Saric put up a battle, it was evident that Davis’ experience and stature were overwhelming.

Throughout the game the lead changed back and forth, the Suns leading at the end of the first quarter, and the Lakers taking the lead into halftime. They remained close in the third quarter, both teams scoring over 30 points.

It was the fourth quarter where the Lakers broke away. With 3:12 minutes left in the game, James and Kyle Kuzma combined for nine unanswered points.

The Lakers collected their eighth win of the season, leading the Western Conference standings. They will face the Golden State Warriors next on Wednesday, November 13 in Los Angeles.