Phoenix Suns vs Lakers Match Player Stats: In-Depth Analysis of the Thrilling December 14, 2025, Clash
The Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats from the latest showdown on December 14, 2025, tell the story of one of the most dramatic games in the early 2025-26 NBA season. The Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Phoenix Suns 116-114 in a nail-biter at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. This rivalry game lived up to the hype, with the Lakers blowing a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter only to clutch the win thanks to LeBron James’ ice-cold free throws in the final seconds.
Fans searching for Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats will find this game packed with standout performances, inefficient shooting nights, dominant rebounding, and heroic comebacks.
Game Overview
The Lakers dominated early, building a substantial lead through aggressive rebounding and interior scoring. They held a 17-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter, but the Suns erupted with a furious rally, nearly erasing the deficit entirely. Phoenix’s comeback was fueled by hot shooting from beyond the arc and opportunistic defense, but ultimately, experience prevailed as LeBron James sealed the game at the line.
Key team stats underscore the contrast:
- Lakers: 43.2% FG, abysmal 18.9% from three (7-37), but 76.7% FT and a massive 54-37 rebounding edge.
- Suns: Better shooting at 48.8% FG and 35.1% from three (13-37), but outrebounded badly and unable to overcome the early hole.
The Lakers’ season-high 24 offensive rebounds proved decisive, giving them second-chance points that offset their poor perimeter shooting. For those analyzing the Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats, rebounding was the X-factor.
Lakers Player Stats Breakdown
Luka Dončić and LeBron James carried the load offensively, while DeAndre Ayton dominated the paint against his former team.
Top Performers for the Lakers
- Luka Dončić: 29 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 7-25 FG (28%), 2-14 3P (14.3%), 13-14 FT (92.9%). Dončić struggled mightily from the field but got to the line repeatedly, converting clutch free throws. His 6 turnovers hurt, but his scoring kept LA ahead.
- LeBron James: 26 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 8-17 FG (47.1%), 1-5 3P (20%), 9-14 FT (64.3%). At 40 years old, LeBron was clutch, drawing a crucial foul on a 3-point attempt late and splitting free throws to secure the win. His defense of Devin Booker in key moments was understated but vital.
- DeAndre Ayton: 20 points, 13 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 10-11 FG (90.9%). Ayton feasted inside against his old Suns teammates, shooting near-perfectly. His double-double, including several offensive boards, was a revenge game highlight.
Other notable contributions:
- Jaxson Hayes: 12 points, 9 rebounds off the bench.
- Marcus Smart: 8 points, 6 assists, strong defense.
- The bench provided solid rebounding, with players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia grabbing key boards.
The Lakers’ starters and key reserves combined for 54 rebounds, showcasing their physicality. Despite a team-wide 7-37 from three, their free-throw attempts (43) and conversions kept them in control.
Suns Player Stats Breakdown
Devin Booker returned from injury to lead Phoenix, supported by strong showings from big man Mark Williams and wing Dillon Brooks.
Top Performers for the Suns
- Devin Booker: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 7-17 FG (41.2%), 0-5 3P (0%), 13-16 FT (81.3%). Booker was the engine of the comeback, dishing assists and drawing fouls. His late foul on LeBron proved costly, but his all-around game kept Phoenix competitive.
- Mark Williams: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 9-10 FG (90%). Williams was efficient inside, providing rim protection and scoring in the paint during the rally.
- Dillon Brooks: 18 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 1 steal, 6-9 FG (66.7%), 4-7 3P (57.1%). Brooks caught fire from deep, helping fuel the fourth-quarter surge.
Additional standouts:
- Grayson Allen: 13 points, 7 assists, 3 steals.
- Royce O’Neale: 12 points, 5 rebounds, perfect 4-7 from three.
- Collin Gillespie: 10 points, 6 assists.
The Suns’ guards and wings shot well overall, but their 37 rebounds (compared to LA’s 54) limited second chances. Turnovers were low (19), but they couldn’t capitalize fully on the Lakers’ cold shooting.
Quarter-by-Quarter Analysis Using Player Stats
First Quarter
The game started evenly, but the Lakers pulled ahead with Ayton’s interior dominance and Dončić’s playmaking. LeBron’s early blocks set the tone defensively.
Second Quarter
LA extended the lead with bench energy from Hayes and Vanderbilt. The Suns struggled without consistent scoring beyond Booker.
Third Quarter
The Lakers built a big lead here, with offensive rebounds leading to easy putbacks. Ayton and Hayes combined for multiple second-chance points.
Fourth Quarter: The Epic Comeback
Phoenix outscored LA significantly, led by Brooks’ threes and Booker’s drives. The Suns tied it late, but James’ veteran poise won it. Dillon Brooks was ejected late, adding drama.
These Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats highlight how individual efforts shaped the quarters.
Key Matchups and Statistical Insights
- Dončić vs Suns Guards: Luka’s inefficiency from three was offset by free throws, a smart adjustment.
- Ayton vs Suns Frontcourt: Ayton’s near-perfect shooting and rebounding were personal.
- Booker vs LeBron/James Defense: Booker’s scoring kept it close, but his foul late was pivotal.
- Rebounding Battle: Lakers’ 24 offensive rebounds vs the Suns’ fewer second chances decided the game.
Advanced stats: The Lakers had a higher offensive rating in the first three quarters, but the Suns dominated the fourth.
Implications for Both Teams
For the Lakers (18-7 after the win), this victory shows resilience despite poor shooting. Their rebounding strength is a season trend.
For the Suns (14-12), the comeback spirit is encouraging, but rebounding remains a weakness. Booker’s return boosts them.
Looking ahead, the next Phoenix Suns vs Lakers game is scheduled later in the season.
FAQs
The Los Angeles Lakers won 116-114 on December 14, 2025.
Luka Dončić with 29 points, followed by LeBron James with 26.
Booker scored 27 points, with 6 rebounds and 7 assists, on 7-17 shooting.
The Lakers' dominant rebounding (54-37 overall, including 24 offensive) provided crucial second chances.
Yes, DeAndre Ayton had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers.
Combined, the teams shot 20-74 (27%) from three, with the Lakers at a dismal 18.9%.
Who won the latest Phoenix Suns vs Lakers game?
Who led the Lakers in scoring?
How did Devin Booker perform in the game?
What was the key stat that decided the game?
Did any player achieve a double-double?
How poor was the three-point shooting in the game?
Final Words!
The Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats from December 14, 2025, encapsulate an instant classic: inefficiency, physicality, and clutch moments. The Lakers’ grit and rebounding prevailed, but the Suns showed fight. This rivalry continues to deliver excitement in the 2025-26 season.
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