The Los Angeles Lakers (18-7) narrowly escaped an embarrassing collapse to defeat the Phoenix Suns (14-12) with a score of 116-114 on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Footprint Center. The Lakers built a commanding 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, only to see the Suns erase it in a furious run, forcing 40-year-old LeBron James to deliver the game deciding free throws in the final seconds.

The immediate details of the final minutes showcased unprecedented drama. The Lakers led 99-79 with 7:48 remaining after a devastating 24-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters. However, the Suns, led by Devin Booker (27 points) and Dillon Brooks (18 points), mounted a frantic comeback, taking a 114-113 lead with just 12.2 seconds left. After a bizarre sequence that saw Brooks hit a three-pointer, earn a technical foul, and get ejected, LeBron James was fouled by Booker on a three-point attempt with 3.9 seconds left. James, who finished with 26 points, missed the first free throw but calmly sank the final two to give the Lakers the one point lead.

The crucial statistics in this chaotic victory reveal both the Lakers’ dominance and their inefficiency. While Luka Doncic led all scorers with 29 points, he and James combined for 14 turnovers and shot an inefficient 15-of-42 from the field. What kept the Lakers alive was their overwhelming advantage on the glass, recording a season high 24 offensive rebounds, which led to 50 points in the paint. Center Deandre Ayton provided a vital performance against his former team with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

The strategic factor in the Lakers vs Suns game was the wild swing in momentum caused by Los Angeles’ composure issues. The 24-0 run by the Lakers was built on aggressive defense and fast break points, while the subsequent meltdown was fueled by turnovers and poor shot selection. Coach JJ Redick later admitted to a mistake by having James take the technical free throw instead of Doncic, but the victory ultimately came down to James drawing the three-shot foul and executing from the line, showcasing the veteran’s indispensable clutch gene.

The future outlook for the Lakers vs Suns matchup sees Los Angeles maintaining its lead in the Pacific Division with an 18-7 record, but with major questions about their consistency and ability to close out games against quality opponents. The Suns, despite the loss, proved their resilience and saw the return of Devin Booker from injury, a positive sign as they aim to snap a streak of six losses in their last nine games. Both teams will need to address their fourth quarter issues as the NBA season continues its demanding schedule.