Lakers and Suns: A Familiar March Battle
Here we go again. March rolls around, and the Lakers are squaring off against the Suns. It’s almost become an annual tradition, a late-season barometer for two teams with championship aspirations. This particular matchup, coming on Matchday 24 in late March 2026, feels especially loaded. Both squads are looking to solidify their playoff seeding, and a win here could provide a significant mental edge down the stretch.
The Lakers, currently sitting third in the Western Conference with a 48-26 record, have been on a tear. They’ve won seven of their last ten games, with their only losses coming in tight contests against the Nuggets and a surprising upset by the Pistons. LeBron James, at 41, is still defying Father Time, averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in March. Anthony Davis has been an absolute beast on both ends, blocking nearly 3 shots per game over the last two weeks. Their offensive rating has climbed to second in the league since the All-Star break, largely due to their improved three-point shooting, hitting 39% from deep in their last five outings.
Phoenix, meanwhile, is clinging to the fifth spot at 45-29. They’ve been a bit more inconsistent, going 6-4 in their last ten. Kevin Durant remains a scoring machine, pouring in an average of 30 points in his last five games, including a 42-point explosion against the Mavericks. Devin Booker's playmaking has taken a step forward this season, dishing out a career-high 7 assists per contest. But the Suns have struggled with defensive lapses, allowing opponents to shoot over 48% from the field in their recent road games. That’s not going to cut it against a high-octane Lakers offense.
The History and the Matchups
These two teams have a deep history, and it's been pretty back-and-forth lately. In their three previous meetings this season, the Lakers hold a slight 2-1 edge. The last time they met, back in January, the Lakers squeaked out a 118-116 victory in Phoenix, with Austin Reaves hitting a clutch three-pointer in the final minute. That game saw Durant go for 38 points, but the Lakers' bench outscored the Suns' reserves 35-18.
Look, the key matchup, as always, will be in the frontcourt. Anthony Davis against Kevin Durant is appointment viewing. Davis's ability to switch onto Durant and contest his jumpers without fouling will be critical. If Davis can make Durant work for every bucket, it takes a huge toll on the Suns' primary scorer. On the other end, how the Suns deal with Davis in the post, especially when he gets deep position, will dictate a lot. Jusuf Nurkic is a big body, but Davis’s quickness and touch around the rim are tough to contain.
And then there's the point guard battle. D'Angelo Russell has been playing some of his best basketball, averaging 21 points and 6 assists in March. He's shooting 43% from three in that span. He'll be matched up against Devin Booker, who, as mentioned, has evolved into a more complete offensive player. Booker's ability to create off the dribble and pull up from anywhere is a nightmare. The Lakers will likely try to funnel him into help defense, forcing the ball out of his hands and making other Suns players beat them.
Tactical Tilt: Lakers' Pace vs. Suns' Half-Court Prowess
The Lakers love to get out and run. They lead the league in fast-break points, averaging 18.5 per game. LeBron is still a master at pushing the tempo, and their younger guards like Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, who has seen increased minutes recently, thrive in transition. If they can force turnovers and get easy buckets, it takes pressure off their half-court offense, which can sometimes stagnate.
Thing is, the Suns prefer a more deliberate pace. They want to get into their sets, run actions for Durant and Booker, and exploit mismatches. Their half-court offense is surgical when it's clicking. Chris Paul, even in a reduced role off the bench, can still orchestrate brilliantly. The battle for tempo will be fascinating. If the Lakers can dictate a high-possession game, they have a better chance. If the Suns can slow it down and force the Lakers into long possessions, their offensive efficiency will shine.
One slightly controversial take: I think the Suns' reliance on isolation scoring from Durant and Booker, while often effective, makes them vulnerable against a disciplined defensive team like the Lakers. If the Lakers can stay connected on defense and communicate on switches, they can make those tough shots even tougher. The Suns don't have enough secondary playmaking when those two are stifled.
Another factor to watch is the three-point line. The Lakers are shooting it well lately, but the Suns are still one of the league's best volume three-point shooting teams. They average 13.5 made threes per game. If Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon get hot from deep, it can quickly swing momentum. The Lakers' perimeter defense, specifically their closeouts on shooters, will be under immense pressure.
This game is going to come down to who executes better in the clutch, and who can impose their will on the tempo. The Lakers have the home-court advantage, and that crowd can be a real factor in a tight game. Expect a physical, intense contest with playoff implications.
Prediction: The Lakers' depth and improved defensive cohesion will be the difference. They'll grind out a tough win, 115-110, with Anthony Davis having a monster double-double and a key late-game block.