James leads Los Angeles against Phoenix after 50-point game

Updated Mar. 12, 2022 3:22 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Los Angeles Lakers (29-37, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (53-14, first in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT

LINE: Suns -5

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits the Phoenix Suns after LeBron James scored 50 points in the Lakers' 122-109 victory against the Washington Wizards.

The Suns are 30-9 in conference play. Phoenix ranks fifth in the NBA with 27.1 assists per game. Chris Paul leads the Suns averaging 10.7.

The Lakers are 16-25 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles allows 113.2 points to opponents while being outscored by 2.1 points per game.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Suns won the last matchup 108-90 on Dec. 22, with Devin Booker scoring 24 points points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Cameron Johnson averages 2.7 made 3-pointers per game for the Suns, scoring 12.8 points while shooting 44.8% from beyond the arc. Booker is averaging 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists over the past 10 games for Phoenix.

James is shooting 52.2% and averaging 29.7 points for the Lakers. Russell Westbrook is averaging 17.1 points over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 6-4, averaging 114.6 points, 41.1 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points per game.

Lakers: 3-7, averaging 111.9 points, 42.5 rebounds, 22.4 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.8 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Dario Saric: out (knee), Cameron Johnson: out (quad), Frank Kaminsky: out (knee), Chris Paul: out (thumb).

Lakers: Anthony Davis: out (foot), Kendrick Nunn: out (knee).

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