Luka Doncic Out Sparks Suns Rout of Lakers

The Suns rolled past the Lakers 132 108 while Luka Dončić sat out with a calf contusion. Devin Booker had 21 points and 11 assists, Dillon Brooks scored 25, and Mark Williams added 18 and nine rebounds. Los Angeles, also missing Rui Hachimura and with Austin Reaves in a smaller role, could not stop Phoenix, which exploded for 45 third quarter points and exploited the Lakers defense that ranks 23rd. Merlin sees this as a warning light more than a surprise. Phoenix got hot from deep and Booker opened the floor, while the Lakers’ injuries and defensive lapses showed how thin the roster is. Health and defensive fixes will decide if Los Angeles recovers when they hope Dončić returns on Christmas.