For the third time this season, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns will square off, as they will meet at Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday.
The series is tied between the conference rivals at 1-1, with the Lakers winning in their last battle on December 15 in a wild finish, 116-114. Luka Doncic led the charge with 29 points, three rebounds, and six assists.
Doncic, however, will sit out their upcoming clash due to a knee contusion, based on the injury report shared by CluthPoints' Brett Siegel. Austin Reaves, meanwhile, could make his return from his calf strain after being upgraded to questionable.
Also out versus Phoenix are Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent due to a groin soreness and a back strain, respectively.
The Lakers have upgraded Austin Reaves (calf) to questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Suns.
The bad news for LA is that Luka Doncic is out. pic.twitter.com/7w6XKOTL8W
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 23, 2025
Reaves missed their last game against the Suns. He has not played since they got eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup.
If he is still not healthy enough to suit up, and with Doncic, Hachimura, and Vincent out of commission, the Purple and Gold will need a by-commitee effort led by LeBron James. Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Nick Smith Jr. are expected to step up and get an increase in playing time.
The Lakers are atop the Pacific Division with a 19-8 record, including 12-4 on the road.
The Suns, on the other hand, are sitting on a 15-3 card, including 9-5 at home.
Their third rendezvous will be an interesting one, to say the least, especially with the growing rivalry between James and Dillon Brooks.
