Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns: Game 3 Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are tied at one game apiece heading back to Staples Center for the first time since 2013.

Last season was going to be an epic welcoming to LeBron at staples but unfortunately, the pandemic delayed that day until Thursday. The Lakers are permitting 7,500 fans and I expect the Staples Center to be rocking from the tip.

Here are some key factors to pay attention to that will decide if the Los Angeles Lakers emerge victoriously:

LeBron picking up his game

To the casual viewer, LeBron James put up 23 points 4 rebounds 9 assists on 56%/44%/100% (he only took one FT) and had a good game.

In actuality, LeBron looked like he was gradually trusting his legs after such a long layoff from the high ankle sprain. A great example of how LeBron is pacing himself against the Suns pertains to his unwillingness on attacking the rim. James attempted nine three-point shots while attempting only three shots at the rim.

LeBron’s shot is falling so it is good right now but if the Lakers want to win the title, James will need to start putting pressure at the rim.

MORE: Why Lakers LeBron James is the best version of LeBron

AD vs Ayton

Before the series, a lot of the commentary revolved around if Ayton could keep up or defend Anthony Davis. So far, Ayton has not only defended Davis but has so far outperformed the unibrow over the course of two games.

DeAndre Ayton is currently averaging 22ppg/13rpg on 87% from the field. AD responded in game two with 34 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks and hit multiple clutch buckets down the stretch to win.

Even with Chris Paul being hampered by a shoulder injury and LA stealing homecourt, Davis must outperform Ayton for the remainder of the series if the Lakers want to win this series.

More Marc Gasol minutes

Midway through the first quarter during the usual Andre Drummond swap for Montrezl Harrell, fans instead saw Marc Gasol standing at the check-in table. If this was a Staples Center game I guarantee the fans would have been cheering profusely for the Spaniard to finally get playing time.

Gasol immediately made an impact by providing the necessary spacing for a LeBron James post-up that resulted in a Gasol made three. Gasol not only helps in spacing but when LeBron goes to the bench, the playmaker role is in dire need of somebody with creativity like Gasol.

To keep it simple, the Lakers have to find ways to play Gasol more and if that means fewer Harrell minutes then so be it.

Get KCP going

During a crucial moment in the fourth quarter with less than three minutes remaining, LeBron James was scanning the Phoenix Sun’s defense in search for the open man and just as Alex Caruso perfectly timed his cut KCP gets open, but instead of shooting he passes it to Dennis Schroder.

In any other situation that was a good decision because you are always taught to make the extra pass. However, KCP has been completely off since the start of the playoffs and turning down open threes will not help right the ship.

TNT cameras caught LeBron grilling KCP about passing up the open shot because LeBron knows the Lakers are not winning anything if KCP isn’t splashing from three. The Los Angeles Lakers need to find a way to get KCP back in rhythm.