Sipu Jha
The Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) play the Phoenix Suns (33-26) at Footprint Center on February 26, 2026. The two teams are close in the standings, with the Lakers in sixth and the Suns in seventh. This game matters for playoff positioning.Neither team has been consistent in recent games. Injuries have affected both rotations, and scoring has dipped at times. This game comes down to who has more available players and who executes better.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Injury report and availability (February 26, 2026)
The latest update from February 26 shows several players out or uncertain.
Los Angeles Lakers injury status
• Rui Hachimura: Questionable (Illness) • Jaxson Hayes: Probable (Right ankle sprain) • Bronny James: Out (G League assignment) • Adou Thiero: Out (G League assignment)If Hachimura does not play, the Lakers lose a forward who can cover multiple roles.
Phoenix Suns injury status
• Cole Anthony: Out (Not with team) • Devin Booker: Out (Right hip strain) • Dillon Brooks: Out (Left hand fracture) • Jordan Goodwin: Out (Left calf strain) • Haywood Highsmith: Out (Right knee management)Phoenix is missing several players, including Booker and Brooks. That affects both scoring and defense.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Current rosters
| Lakers Key Players | Suns Key Players |
| Luka Doncic (PG) | Devin Booker (SG, out) |
| LeBron James (SF) | Grayson Allen (SG) |
| Deandre Ayton (C) | Dillon Brooks (SF, out) |
| Austin Reaves (SG) | Jalen Green (SG) |
| Rui Hachimura (PF, ques.) | Mark Williams (C) |
| Jake LaRavia (SF) | Royce O’Neale (SF) |
| Marcus Smart (PG) | Collin Gillespie (PG) |
| Jarred Vanderbilt (PF) | Ryan Dunn (SF) |
The Lakers depend on Doncic and LeBron to run the offense. The Suns are relying more on role players with key names out.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Season stats comparison
| Category | Lakers | Suns |
| Points Per Game | 115.6 | 113.3 |
| Opp. Points | ~111.4 allowed | 112.0 |
| Rebounds | Strong frontcourt (Ayton 9.5 RPG) | 43.5 (Williams key) |
| Assists | Elite playmaking | 24.8 (2nd NBA) |
| FG% Recent | Inconsistent | <40% last 4 games |
The Lakers score slightly more. Phoenix moves the ball well but has not been shooting well in recent games.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Head-to-head
The Lakers lead the all-time series 154-121. There have not been notable meetings between the teams this season. The Lakers also have a strong record against the spread at 26-7-1.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Key matchups (February 26, 2026)
Luka Doncic will have the advantage against a Suns backcourt without Booker. He has been scoring at a high level.Deandre Ayton faces Mark Williams inside, which could decide rebounds.Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart will look to take advantage of Phoenix’s three-point defense, which ranks near the bottom.LeBron James continues to contribute with 20.3 points per game.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Game outlook (February 26, 2026)
Phoenix has struggled to score in recent games, putting up 92 and 97 points in its last two. Without Booker and Brooks, that remains a concern.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Phoenix Suns? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (February 26, 2026)The Lakers have had their own issues but have more reliable scoring options available. If Doncic controls the game, they should have the edge. Phoenix can keep it close with ball movement, but the Lakers are in the better position going into this matchup.
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