The Lakers returned to Staples Center after dropping their last two games on the road.
After getting embarrassed by the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday, the Lakers were hoping show more competitiveness against the Phoenix Suns. Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Xavier Henry were ruled out for the game joining Kobe Bryant and Jordan Farmar as inactive. The Lakers were looking to avoid a sweep by the Suns and get their first win against them this year.
First Quarter
Chris Kaman scored the eight of the Laker’s first 14 points while also grabbing five quick rebounds. The Lakers took a quick 14-8 lead before Suns guard split a pair of free throws to bring the Suns within five. The lead went up to ten until Dragic scored on two quick layups. The Lakers finished the quarter shooting 46 percent from the field while holding the Suns to 25 percent on their way to a 26-15 lead.
Second Quarter
The first Laker basket came from Robert Sacre who hit a hook shot after a feed from Nick Young. The Lakers stretched their lead to 13 until the Suns tied the game 31-31 following a Gerald Green jumper and foul shot. A quick 5-0 Laker run was quickly answered by two straight Green threes. The Lakers would end the quarter strong including going on a 19-4 run. Chris Kaman continued to abuse Phoenix and had a double-double at the half with 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers entered the break up 61-43.
Third Quarter
The Lakers started the quarter by forcing the Suns into a shot clock violation, and Christ Kaman hit a hook shot to bring the Laker lead to 20. The Suns foul troubles would sent the Lakers in the bonus three minutes into the quarter, and the Lakers would stretch the margin to 26. The Lakers remained in control despite a 10-2 Phoenix run and got scoring help from the rest of the roster. Jodie Meeks quietly upped his total to 20 as the Lakers would end the quarter with a 89-74 lead.
Forth Quarter
The Suns nearly cut the lead to single digits, but the Lakers would gain some momentum and bring their lead back to 18. The quarter would continue to go the Lakers’ way and the Suns would not pose another serious threat. Kendall Marshall would have a good quarter and become the second Laker to have a double-double on the night with 13 points and 11 assists. The Lakers would ultimately win, 115-99.
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VIDEO: Kent Bazemore Surprised Chris Kaman With A Unique Gift Before The Game