The Phoenix Suns are reportedly planning to sit their four core stars, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton, against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, per Shams Charania. The Suns are reportedly focusing on playoff health at the moment, as they've already clinched the four-seed in the West.

It is no secret that Kevin Durant has dealt with injuries during the 2022-23 campaign. When healthy, though, KD has continued to perform at an elite level. He's one of the best players in the NBA and will be crucial to the Suns' playoff success. Sitting him in this game was probably a no-brainer for Phoenix.

Devin Booker has also endured injury trouble. In similar fashion to Durant, Booker has performed well when on the floor. The Suns don't want to risk anything happening to their franchise player on Friday.

Article Continues Below
More Phoenix Suns News
Kevin Durant-Thunder rift prompts Kendrick Perkins’ harsh retirement admission
Kevin Durant-Thunder rift prompts Kendrick Perkins’ harsh retirement admissionJulian Ojeda ·
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots the ball against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the third quarter at Footprint Center.
NBA rumors: Suns’ Kevin Durant trade desires could hint at Karl-Anthony TownsJason Patt ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks up after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
NBA rumors: Suns, Rockets talking Kevin Durant trade with ‘lowered’ asking priceJason Patt ·
Cooper Flagg in a Phoenix Suns jersey, and Devin Booker in a Dallas Mavericks jersey. There are question marks around both players, and there is the NBA Draft logo in the background
Grading ESPN’s Suns-Mavericks trade proposal with Devin Booker, Cooper FlaggHayden Cilley ·
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) defends during the third quarter at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ESPN suggests Suns-Mavericks trade swapping Cooper Flagg pick, Devin BookerPreston Byers ·
image thumbnail
Former top Nets assistant among finalists for Suns head coach positionErik Slater ·

The Suns' decision to sit Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton aren't surprising either. Paul, 37, will benefit from the extra rest. And starting Ayton without the other stars simply isn't necessary in this game.

Phoenix is strictly focused on the postseason. They believe that regardless of what position they check in, as they've locked up the No. 4 spot already, that they can make a deep run in the postseason. Many experts agree with that narrative. Containing a Kevin Durant and Devin Booker-led team will prove to be a challenge even for the top teams in the Western Conference.

As for this Suns-Lakers game in LA, Los Angeles now has to feel like this is a must-win affair.