Lakers @ Suns 3-23-16

[Mainstreet]

The Lakers play at the Suns tonight with a 7 p.m. Arizona start time.

Ty Chandler is reported out due to back spasms. This will be Kobe's farewell game against the Suns.

Here are the reported starting lineups and more from Paul Coro at azcentral.

With Chandler out, Suns interim head coach Earl Watson suggested the Suns might be creative with the starting lineup rather than moving a reserve power forward, Jon Leuer or Mirza Teletovic, into the starting lineup for Len. The Suns could slide P.J. Tucker to the starting power forward spot and start a swingman like Chase Budinger or John Jenkins. Otherwise, the only other bench big man would be newcomer Alan Williams if Leuer or Teletovic was to start.

Second-year guard Archie Goodwin, who started from Jan. 21 to Feb. 19, has been the odd man out of the rotation lately as the Suns try to get a better look at Jenkins, who was claimed off waivers by the Suns on Feb. 24.

C: Alex Len … Roy Hibbert

PF: P.J. Tucker … Julius Randle

SF: Devin Booker … Kobe Bryant

SG: John Jenkins … Jordan Clarkson

PG: Brandon Knight … D’Angelo Russell

Key Lakers reserves: Larry Nance Jr., Lou Williams, Robert Sacre, Marcelo Huertas, Tarik Black.

Key Lakers injuries: Anthony Brown (right foot stress reaction) and Ryan Kelly (sprained left knee) are out; Kobe Bryant (sore right shoulder) and D’Angelo Russell (left shin bruise) are questionable; Larry Nance Jr. (sore right knee) is probable.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...isses-chance-face-kobe-bryant-again/82180554/

 

[sunsfan88]

I'm expecting the Suns players like Tucker and Knight are really looking forward to this game so they can pad their stats since it's only in games like these where they won't absolutely suck ass.

This is like the championship game for them. Expect them to go off so the Suns can pick up another draft position hurting victory.

On another note, I wonder if the Suns are planning a video tribute for Kobe's final game in Phoenix. Kobe has said in the past that he considers the Suns one of his biggest rivals and one of the teams he hates the most. There's been a lot of intense games between these two teams in the past as well so it would make sense. Feels like most or all other teams have done some type of tribute for Kobe in his final game in their city as well.

And obviously the Suns could surely use any good press they can get at this point.

 

[sunsfan88]

My favorite Kobe Bryant memory of all time

http://youtu.be/7V8ZukXsWmk

 

[Mainstreet]

My favorite Kobe Bryant memory of all time

Kobe had been elbowing Raja in the face all game long. It was quite obvious. The referees wouldn't call it, so finally Raja took care of it himself. I put this incident on the referees.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm expecting the Suns players like Tucker and Knight are really looking forward to this game so they can pad their stats since it's only in games like these where they won't absolutely suck ass.

This is like the championship game for them. Expect them to go off so the Suns can pick up another draft position hurting victory.

On another note, I wonder if the Suns are planning a video tribute for Kobe's final game in Phoenix. Kobe has said in the past that he considers the Suns one of his biggest rivals and one of the teams he hates the most. There's been a lot of intense games between these two teams in the past as well so it would make sense. Feels like most or all other teams have done some type of tribute for Kobe in his final game in their city as well.

And obviously the Suns could surely use any good press they can get at this point.

I'm thinking the Suns starting lineup favors the Lakers.

I'm not expecting to watch any tribute to Kobe although I could change my mind.

 

[sunsfan88]

I'm thinking the Suns starting lineup favors the Lakers.

It's all about minute distribution. Keep everyone's minutes below 30. Play Alan Williams, the guy the Suns signed to a multi year contract, some extended minutes.

 

[Mainstreet]

It's all about minute distribution. Keep everyone's minutes below 30. Play Alan Williams, the guy the Suns signed to a multi year contract, some extended minutes.

John Jenkins, Archie Goodwin and Alan Williams need major minutes.

 

[slinslin]

Looks like a Lakers home game.

 

[Mainstreet]

Looks like a Lakers home game.

Suns season ticket holders must have sold their tickets.

 

[slinslin]

What exactly do people see in Russell?

He looks like an absolute average PG prospect to me.

 

[GatorAZ]

What exactly do people see in Russell?

He looks like an absolute average PG prospect to me.

Crazy how identical their numbers are (Booker).

 

[Finito]

Exactly why I dislike Knight. EJ just summed it up Booker is balling and Knight is just aimlessly chucking.

He has to learn to feed the hot hand. He has a ton of natural talent it's just his decision making is horrible.

Him and Bledsoe both need to go this offseason.

 

[Mainstreet]

Exactly why I dislike Knight. EJ just summed it up Booker is balling and Knight is just aimlessly chucking.

He has to learn to feed the hot hand. He has a ton of natural talent it's just his decision making is horrible.

Him and Bledsoe both need to go this offseason.

In fairness to Knight he has 17 points (7-16), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal and only 1 turnover in 27 minutes (with a +16).

 

[Mainstreet]

Kobe enters at the 5:51 mark in the 4th quarter.

 

[Mainstreet]

Final: Suns 119 Lakers 107

 

[TJ]

Exactly why I dislike Knight. EJ just summed it up Booker is balling and Knight is just aimlessly chucking.



He has to learn to feed the hot hand. He has a ton of natural talent it's just his decision making is horrible.



Him and Bledsoe both need to go this offseason.

Just Knight. Keep Bledsoe

 

[SirStefan32]

Exactly why I dislike Knight. EJ just summed it up Booker is balling and Knight is just aimlessly chucking.

He has to learn to feed the hot hand. He has a ton of natural talent it's just his decision making is horrible.

Him and Bledsoe both need to go this offseason.

I couldn't agree more. I want Knight gone, though I actually do want to see Bledsoe/ Booker back court for a little while and see how it works.

 

[sunsfan88]

Yesss Suns pick up another win!!

I'm honestly wondering if Ryan McDonough is trying to do favors for Danny Ainge (who gets the Nets pick which is now top 3).

McD always gets ripped off by Ainge hence the IT deal and the Wright deal (gave up two high 2nd rd picks for 2 month rental of a scrub big man Wright).

I wonder if McD is pressuring Watson to make sure we still win as many as we can for remainder of the season so that the Nets pick improves for his old boss Ainge.

It can be like a "thank you" type thing for Ainge who obviously hired McD the first time and gave him his opportunity as assistant GM in Boston which led to him getting the GM job here.

This could 99% be my frustration with this dumb idiotic team that's talking but yea.

There's no team I hate more than the Lakers but it honestly could be because I envy and respect them so much as well. They know how to win and bring championships home and when they suck, they know how to lose and bring tier 1 prospects home.

 

[Finito]

I think if you can unload Bledsoe and that contract you do it . you jump at the chance. The guy has proven he flat out can't stay healthy. Not in LA not here.

I don't mind him at all but he pretty much misses half a season every other year so far in his career

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm hoping the Suns do not have to worry about the Timberwolves (athough they won tonight).

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Yay another stupid worthless victory that lessens our chances for a difference maker. Bravo idiots!

 

[GatorAZ]

Yay another stupid worthless victory that lessens our chances for a difference maker. Bravo idiots!

What should they have done differently? Bench Devin Booker?

 

[nashman]

They should have lost! If you need to bench booker at certain times to ensure the loss...absolutely sit him down! The idea is to get a good pick but this team is too freaking stupid to even tank right!

 

[GatorAZ]

That's just idiotic and I'm pro tank. i feel like some ppl would prefer Booker getting hurt to move down 1 spot which history shows to mean nothing in the lottery.

 

[nashman]

If the lakers can play Kobe less than 30 we damn well can keep booker below 42 minutes I mean Jesus this team is ********!