Unbelievable! Zero Points from a Starting Guard! Lakers Become the NBA’s Biggest Punchline

The highly anticipated clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns was expected to be a marquee matchup—a showdown of Western Conference heavyweights broadcast nationwide. Instead, it turned into an embarrassing night for the Lakers, with their starting shooting guard logging a stunning zero points and the team suffering a humiliating 127-100 blowout loss.

Suns Bring Out the Big Guns

After seven games on the sidelines, Kevin Durant returned to action alongside Bradley Beal, who had also missed five straight games. Both stars were back just in time to take on the Lakers, raising questions about whether they saw Los Angeles as a "soft target."

Adding to the drama, the Suns brought in franchise legend Steve Nash as a special guest. While Nash, now graying and clad in casual attire, didn’t suit up, his presence underscored the stakes. The Suns' need for a true floor general is no secret, and Nash’s appearance seemed to symbolize the team’s commitment to rising above their early-season challenges.

A Tale of Two Halves

The first half of the game lived up to the hype, with the Lakers and Suns trading blows. Despite trailing, Los Angeles entered halftime down by just two points, within striking distance of a lead change. However, the script flipped dramatically in the third quarter.

Devin Booker, who had spent the first half focused on playmaking with 7 assists and just 8 points, erupted offensively. A personal scoring spree of 11 points in quick succession broke the game wide open, swinging momentum fully in the Suns’ favor.

By the end of the third quarter, the Lakers were staring at a 20-point deficit, their hopes of a comeback dwindling rapidly. The fourth quarter started disastrously for Los Angeles, with the team missing its first seven shots and going scoreless for several minutes. At that point, the result was all but decided.

A Dominant Suns Performance

The Suns' Big Three—Durant, Beal, and Booker—lived up to their billing, each scoring over 20 points and combining for 72 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. Their chemistry, which had been questioned earlier in the season, was on full display as they dismantled the Lakers’ defense.

The rest of the Suns’ starting lineup contributed effectively as well, with four of the five starters (excluding Beal) posting a +20 or higher in the plus-minus column.

The Lakers’ Struggles

On the other side, the Lakers were a mess. Anthony Davis was the lone bright spot, scoring over 20 points. Meanwhile, LeBron James had a quiet night by his standards, finishing with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists.

The supporting cast offered little help. D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves combined for 31 points, but those contributions were drowned out by the glaring deficiencies elsewhere. Most notably, starting shooting guard Cam Reddish recorded zero points in a forgettable performance that has quickly become a talking point across the league.

Reddish’s scoreless outing epitomized the Lakers’ struggles and highlighted their inconsistent depth. His inability to contribute offensively left a gaping hole in the team’s production, and fans were left wondering why he remains in the starting lineup.

Injuries Add Insult to Injury

To make matters worse, the Lakers suffered another injury during garbage time. Jaxson Hayes, who had just returned from a six-game absence, was forced to leave the game after an apparent discomfort following a dunk. His status moving forward is uncertain, further complicating the Lakers’ rotation.

A Wake-Up Call for the Lakers

This loss wasn’t just about one bad game—it exposed deeper issues within the Lakers' roster and game plan. While their 12-6 record has kept them in the hunt in the Western Conference, games like this highlight why they may not be ready to compete with elite teams.

Some might argue that the Lakers, currently the fourth seed, simply had an off night against a motivated Suns team that now ranks seventh in the West. However, that narrative does a disservice to Phoenix.

The Suns Are Rising

The Suns began the season with a scorching 8-1 record, sitting atop the Western Conference before injuries to Durant and Beal slowed their momentum. With both stars back and the trio of Booker, Durant, and Beal finding their rhythm, the Suns look ready to reclaim their status as championship contenders.

Their dominant performance against the Lakers is a warning to the rest of the league. Teams like the Thunder, Warriors, and Rockets—currently ahead of Phoenix in the standings—should be on high alert. Even the Golden State Warriors, who will face the Suns this Sunday, must be bracing for impact.

Durant, with his trademark smirk, summed up the Suns’ mindset perfectly: “The best way to respect your opponent is to play at your absolute best.” The team looks poised to build on this momentum and erase the disappointment of last season’s playoff exit.

Conclusion

For the Lakers, this game was a disaster. For the Suns, it was a statement. With their Big Three clicking and the rest of the roster stepping up, Phoenix is proving why they belong in the conversation for the NBA title. As for the Lakers, they’ll need to regroup quickly, address their glaring weaknesses, and find a way to bounce back—or risk becoming the punchline of this season’s championship race.