LeBron Posts a Rare -17 as Durant Leads Suns with Stellar Performance

In a nail-biting game that mirrored their previous encounter, the Lakers faced the Suns, ending with a hard-fought 105-109 loss. Just like last time when the Suns held a 22-point lead only to see the Lakers make a comeback, this game unfolded similarly, but with reversed roles. The Lakers had a dream start, jumping ahead 26-8 for an 18-point lead that seemed to signal their fourth consecutive win. But by halftime, the Suns had already erased the deficit, setting the stage for a comeback that ultimately handed the Lakers their first loss in four games.

LeBron James, typically the anchor of the Lakers' offense, had an unusually poor performance. He logged 36 minutes, shooting only 3 of 14 from the field, 2 of 5 from beyond the arc, and 3 of 6 from the free-throw line, totaling just 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. Remarkably, he posted a -17 plus-minus rating. To put it into perspective, this game marked his eighth-lowest career shooting percentage (21.4%), and it was his worst shooting night since a game against the Mavericks in 2007, where he shot a mere 18.2%.

In contrast, the Lakers' other starters stepped up significantly:

• Anthony Davis had an impressive game, scoring 29 points on 12 of 24 shooting, with 15 rebounds and 3 assists. He had a team-best +14 rating.
• Austin Reaves contributed 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists on 8 of 15 shooting, with a +12 rating.
• Rui Hachimura added 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists, boasting a game-high +20 rating.
• D'Angelo Russell put up 14 points and 8 assists, with an even 0 plus-minus.

Despite these efforts, the Lakers faltered during key moments when Hachimura sat due to foul trouble, and LeBron struggled to elevate the second unit. Their bench, consisting of Christie, Vincent, Hayes, and rookie Knickt, contributed only 8 points combined. LeBron’s shooting woes further compounded the team’s struggles, and he appeared fatigued, lacking his usual offensive drive. It wasn’t until the last two minutes of the fourth quarter that LeBron, then sitting on just 7 points, hit a three-pointer to barely keep his streak of scoring in double-digits alive at 1,226 games, a record he has held since 2007.

Post-game, LeBron admitted to feeling under the weather. His voice sounded hoarse as he commented, “I feel a bit better; you can probably hear it in my voice.” Reports indicate that LeBron first felt ill last Saturday but still played in a back-to-back game against the Kings, where he posted a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. The toll of his illness, combined with a grueling schedule of three games in four days, has clearly affected his performance. Over these games, he’s played heavy minutes: 35, 34, and now 36 against the Suns. Kendrick Perkins noted, “Tonight’s game was the first time LeBron looked his age—nearly 40.”

The spotlight, however, shone brightly on Phoenix’s veteran star Kevin Durant. He showcased his trademark efficiency and clutch play, scoring 30 points on 11 of 20 shooting, with 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. In the second half alone, Durant scored 18 points, including several crucial shots that helped the Suns maintain their lead in the fourth quarter. His standout performance underscored his value as one of the league’s most resilient scorers.

Durant has consistently logged heavy minutes this season, playing over 38 minutes in four games so far:

• Against the Clippers: 43 minutes, 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
• Against the Lakers: 39 minutes, 30 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
• Against the Mavericks: 39 minutes, 31 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists
• Against the Lakers (again): 38 minutes, 30 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists

Averaging nearly 40 minutes per game, Durant ranks third in the league for playing time, trailing only younger players like Tyrese Maxey and Keegan Murray. His season stats reflect his enduring star power: 29 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and nearly 2 blocks per game. Phoenix’s reliance on him is evident, as both current and former coaches, including Steve Nash, have expressed how invaluable Durant’s presence on the floor is to any team.

LeBron’s rare off-night is bound to spark some concerns, though his illness and the heavy schedule offer explanations for the unusually low shooting performance. Fans and analysts may speculate on the impact of age on both him and other veteran superstars, but LeBron has shown his resilience before. Two days earlier, he was singlehandedly closing out games. The Lakers may consider more carefully managed rest periods for their aging stars, especially with upcoming games in mind. Phoenix’s approach with Durant serves as a reminder of the high demands placed on aging superstars in today’s NBA.

In the broader context, this game highlighted both the triumphs and challenges for these veteran icons. Both Durant and LeBron continue to defy expectations in their mid-to-late 30s, though their performances show the unmistakable impact of age and the toll of the season’s demanding schedule.