Lakers vs. Suns: A Rivalry for the Ages
The Lakers and Suns have been going at it since 1968, and boy, do these teams have history. The Lakers have had the upper hand overall, winning 154 regular-season games to the Suns’ 120.
When it comes to the playoffs? Same story. LA holds a 40-28 edge there too.
But don’t let those numbers fool you – this rivalry is far from one-sided.
Just last March, Luka Dončić put on a show for the Lakers, dropping 33 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists in a solid 107-96 win over Phoenix. The kind of performance that reminds you why the Lakers traded for him in the first place.
The Suns haven’t been pushovers, though. They snagged a tight 109-105 victory back in October 2024, proving they can hang with LA when it matters.
Things got really ugly for the Lakers recently when Phoenix absolutely demolished them 132-108. Without Dončić in the lineup, LA’s defense fell apart, especially in that brutal third quarter when the Suns exploded for 45 points.
Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker couldn’t miss that night.
But basketball’s funny that way. The very next matchup swung back in the Lakers’ favor with a nail-biting 116-114 win. It was one of those games where you couldn’t look away – LeBron and Luka both went off, and the ending was pure chaos with a technical free throw and a game-saving block.
What makes this rivalry so special is how it’s evolved over the decades. While the Lakers might have the edge historically, Phoenix has had plenty of moments where they’ve turned the tables.
When these teams face off, you can count on fast breaks, scoring runs, and at least a few highlights that’ll make SportsCenter. The Lakers bring their championship pedigree, while the Suns counter with their explosive offense.
Every new game adds another chapter to a rivalry that’s become one of the West’s most entertaining matchups.
And the best part? You never quite know which team will have the upper hand next time they meet.
