PHOENIX – It was a tight contest early between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, though the Suns were able to overcome officiating issues and lead the Lakers at halftime by a score of 67 to 57.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dillon Brooks and LeBron James were going at it offensively back and forth early on, and that led the way for Phoenix’s offense to open up, while the Lakers still leaned on their superstar. Mark Williams was getting a lot of attention, as Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks would drive hard towards the basket but would dish it to Williams to take advantage of his physical power in the paint against the Lakers’ C DeAndre Ayton.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The officiating was playing a part too in the first half, as the Lakers were drawing fouls early and often as Phoenix came in physical. LeBron James, in the first half, was able to get to the line and keep the score closer whenever the Suns were able to go on a run. The Lakers had 19 free throws in the first half, while the Suns only had 8.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The incredible hustle from the Suns’ role players is the reason why they can contend with the top talent around the NBA. Jamaree Bouyea is a lightning rod off the bench for Phoenix, and the defensive intensity from guys like Jordan Goodwin brings a whole new energy. The Suns have multiple wrapons and ways of attacking, and it seems like they all buy in when they need to, even if the officiating early on isn’t going in their favor.
The Dillon Brooks and LeBron James rivalry set to reignite in tense matchup on Tuesday
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
