Injuries heavily influence the Lakers vs. Suns clash on December 23, 2025. Los Angeles faces significant absences, including Luka Dončić, their top scorer, while Phoenix misses Jalen Green. Austin Reaves' return offers a boost for the Lakers.

The Lakers (19-8) are back again in Phoenix where they will play the Suns (15-13) for the third time this month. L.A. looks to gain a 2-1 record advantage against its division rivals and to bounce back after a tough loss to the Clippers.

Lakers rookie forward Adou Thiero will miss at least the next four weeks because of an MCL sprain in his right knee.

The Lakers got blown out again Tuesday, letting a close game devolve into a 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Lakers' sixth 20-point loss this season.

It appears that Jarred Vanderbilt has re-established himself in the Los Angeles Lakers ’ regular rotation after a string of healthy DNP’s earlier in the season. The 6-foot-8 power forward has played at least 20 minutes off the bench in L.A.’s last six games.