Phoenix Suns vs Lakers Match Player Stats
Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats from the April 10, 2026 meeting tell a much clearer story than the final score alone. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 101-73 at Crypto.com Arena, turning a competitive second quarter into a one-sided second half. LeBron James led Los Angeles with 28 points, 12 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 12 points. The Lakers also created a major statistical gap through shooting efficiency, ball security, and defensive pressure. (NBA.com)
For readers looking for a reliable breakdown of the Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats, this article examines the individual performances, team numbers, quarter-by-quarter flow, tactical reasons behind the 28-point margin, and the wider meaning of the result.
There is one date detail worth clarifying. NBA’s official matchup page labels the game Friday, April 10, 2026, while its game information records Saturday, April 11 at 2:30 AM. The game itself was played Friday night in Los Angeles. (NBA.com)
Phoenix Suns vs Lakers Match Player Stats
The most important numbers from the game are straightforward. Los Angeles scored 101 points compared with Phoenix’s 73, but the difference was not simply about scoring volume. The Lakers shot 50.7% from the field, 40.0% from three-point range, and 76.7% at the free-throw line.
Phoenix made only 33.8% of its field-goal attempts and 17.5% from three-point range. The Suns also committed 23 turnovers, giving Los Angeles numerous opportunities to run in transition and attack before Phoenix could establish its half-court defense. (NBA.com)
| Category | Phoenix Suns | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Final score | 73 | 101 |
| Field goals | 26-77 | 35-69 |
| Field-goal percentage | 33.8% | 50.7% |
| 3-pointers | 7-40 | 8-20 |
| 3-point percentage | 17.5% | 40.0% |
| Free throws | 14-21 | 23-30 |
| Free-throw percentage | 66.7% | 76.7% |
| Rebounds | 47 | 35 |
| Assists | 17 | 27 |
| Turnovers | 23 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 17 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
These figures explain why the Lakers won despite Phoenix holding a substantial 47-35 advantage on the glass. Rebounding helped the Suns, but it could not compensate for poor shooting and 23 turnovers. (NBA.com)
Game Overview and Final Score
The Lakers entered the game with a 52-29 record, while Phoenix was 44-37. Los Angeles had already secured a strong playoff position but still had home-court implications to play for. Phoenix, meanwhile, had been locked into the play-in tournament.
The circumstances surrounding the game were important.
Phoenix was without Devin Booker and Jalen Green. Booker was rested because of an ankle issue, while Green was dealing with knee soreness. The Suns therefore entered the matchup without two major offensive creators. (NBA.com)
Los Angeles also had major absences. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were unavailable, leaving James with an even greater responsibility as the primary offensive organizer.
That context makes the result more interesting. This was not a simple case of a fully healthy Lakers roster overpowering a full-strength Phoenix team. Both teams had important players missing, but the Lakers adapted better to the circumstances.
The final score was:
Los Angeles Lakers 101, Phoenix Suns 73
The 28-point margin represented one of Phoenix’s poorest offensive performances of the season. The Suns scored just 9 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 73 points overall. (NBA.com)
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The scoring pattern shows when the game truly changed.
| Quarter | Phoenix Suns | Lakers |
| First | 24 | 33 |
| Second | 24 | 24 |
| Third | 16 | 24 |
| Fourth | 9 | 20 |
| Total | 73 | 101 |
First Quarter: Lakers Establish Control
Los Angeles opened the game aggressively and scored 33 points in the first period.
LeBron James was the central figure. He scored 14 points in the opening quarter while also creating opportunities for teammates. According to the official game recap, James scored or assisted on nine of the Lakers’ first 10 field goals. (NBA.com)
That early involvement mattered because Los Angeles could not rely on Doncic or Reaves. James effectively became both the primary scorer and primary playmaker.
Phoenix scored 24 points, so the Suns were not completely out of the game. But the Lakers had already created a nine-point advantage.
Second Quarter: Phoenix Briefly Fights Back
The second quarter was much more competitive.
Phoenix eventually took a 38-37 lead with 6:18 remaining in the half. That was an important moment because it demonstrated that the Suns could still generate offense despite their missing stars.
However, Los Angeles responded with a 20-10 run to close the half. The Lakers entered halftime with a 57-48 advantage. (NBA.com)
This stretch may have been the turning point of the game.
Phoenix had worked hard enough to move ahead, but the Lakers immediately regained control. That response showed the difference in offensive stability between the teams.
Third Quarter: Lakers Pull Away
The Lakers extended the lead in the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 24-16.
This was where the Suns’ shooting problems became increasingly difficult to overcome.
Phoenix finished the game at 33.8% from the field. Once Los Angeles established a double-digit lead, the Suns needed efficient three-point shooting to create a comeback.
Instead, Phoenix finished 7-for-40 from three.
A 17.5% three-point percentage makes a comeback extremely difficult, particularly when the opponent is shooting above 50% overall.
Fourth Quarter: Phoenix Runs Out of Offense
The fourth quarter was decisive.
Phoenix scored only 9 points, while Los Angeles added 20.
The Suns could not generate enough efficient half-court offense, and their turnovers continued to provide Los Angeles with additional possessions.
The final period therefore became less about whether Phoenix could win and more about how large the Lakers’ final margin would be.
LeBron James Player Stats
LeBron James was the clear standout among the Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats.
His final line:
- 28 points
- 12 assists
- 6 rebounds
- 4 steals
- 10-for-16 shooting
- 2-for-2 from three-point range
- 6-for-9 from the free-throw line
- +27 plus/minus
James shot 62.5% from the field, an outstanding percentage considering his workload. Basketball Reference also recorded a 31.4 Game Score for his performance. (Basketball Reference)
The scoring total alone does not fully explain his influence.
His 12 assists were arguably just as important as his 28 points. With other major Lakers creators unavailable, James repeatedly used his scoring threat to create open opportunities.
He also reached 12,000 career assists during the game, becoming only the fourth player in NBA history to reach that mark. (Reuters)
From an analytical standpoint, his performance was a classic example of efficient offensive control. James did not need to score 40 points because he could control the game through passing, shot selection, pace, and decision-making.
Luke Kennard’s Offensive Contribution
Luke Kennard finished with 19 points and was the Lakers’ second-highest scorer.
His line included:
- 19 points
- 6-for-12 shooting
- 2-for-4 from three
- 5-for-5 from the free-throw line
- 3 assists
- 3 steals
His 50% shooting from the field gave Los Angeles another efficient scoring option alongside James. (Basketball Reference)
Kennard’s performance was particularly useful because Phoenix could not simply concentrate its defensive attention on James.
Whenever James created an advantage, Los Angeles had players capable of converting the resulting opportunities.
Rui Hachimura’s Efficient Night
Rui Hachimura added 13 points.
He shot 4-for-8 from the field and 2-for-3 from three-point range. He also went 3-for-4 at the free-throw line. (Basketball Reference)
Hachimura’s efficiency helped maintain offensive balance.
His three-point shooting was especially valuable because Phoenix’s defensive problems were not limited to one player. Los Angeles repeatedly found ways to generate good scoring opportunities around James.
Deandre Ayton’s Role
Deandre Ayton scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 30 minutes.
He shot 4-for-8 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. (Basketball Reference)
Ayton did not dominate the box score, but his presence gave the Lakers an interior option.
Phoenix had to account for his size around the basket, which helped create additional room for perimeter players.
Marcus Smart’s Return
Marcus Smart returned after missing nine games and finished with:
- 6 points
- 7 assists
- 5 rebounds
- 2 steals
- 1 block
- +5 plus/minus
His seven assists were especially valuable because Los Angeles was already dealing with injuries to major ball-handlers. The official recap noted that Smart contributed six points and seven assists in his return. (NBA.com)
This was not a scoring-heavy performance, but it was useful in keeping the Lakers organized.
Phoenix Suns Player Performance
The Suns struggled to find consistent offensive production.
Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 12 points. He shot 5-for-14 from the field and did not make a three-pointer on four attempts. (NBA.com)
Brooks was the only Phoenix starter to reach double figures, according to the Suns’ official game notes. (NBA.com)
That statistic is one of the clearest indicators of the Suns’ offensive limitations.
When a team scores only 73 points and has only one starting player in double figures, the problem is usually broader than one poor shooting night.
Dillon Brooks
Brooks finished with:
- 12 points
- 5-for-14 field goals
- 0-for-4 from three
- 2-for-4 free throws
- 2 rebounds
- 1 assist
- 1 steal
He was Phoenix’s leading scorer, but his efficiency was limited.
His 35.7% field-goal shooting was below what Phoenix needed in a game without Booker and Green. (NBA.com)
Royce O’Neale
Royce O’Neale provided a more balanced contribution.
He recorded:
- 11 points
- 7 rebounds
- 3 assists
His seven rebounds tied for the Lakers’ game-high only in raw team comparison, while his all-around contribution made him one of Phoenix’s more useful players. (NBA.com)
O’Neale’s performance also illustrates why looking only at scoring can be misleading.
He was not Phoenix’s leading scorer, but his rebounding and playmaking helped compensate for some of the team’s offensive limitations.
Oso Ighodaro
Oso Ighodaro was Phoenix’s leading rebounder with 10 boards.
He finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds, according to the official Suns game notes. (NBA.com)
This is an important correction to some of the raw information circulating around the matchup. The official team data lists Ighodaro as the Suns’ leading rebounder, not Mark Williams.
Ighodaro’s 10 rebounds were the highest total by either team.
That makes his rebounding effort one of the few areas where Phoenix clearly won the individual battle.
What the Shooting Numbers Tell Us
The biggest statistical difference was shooting efficiency.
Phoenix:
- 26-for-77 from the field
- 33.8% overall
- 7-for-40 from three
- 17.5% from three
Los Angeles:
- 35-for-69 from the field
- 50.7% overall
- 8-for-20 from three
- 40.0% from three
The Lakers made nine more field goals despite taking eight fewer attempts.
That is a huge efficiency advantage.
Phoenix actually attempted eight more field goals than Los Angeles, but the Lakers made nine more shots.
This tells us that possession volume was not the Suns’ primary problem. Shot quality and conversion were.
Phoenix also made only seven three-pointers on 40 attempts. That means the Suns took more than half as many three-point attempts as the Lakers while making one fewer three.
The Lakers did not need a huge three-point total because they were far more efficient from inside the arc and at the free-throw line.
Turnovers Were a Major Difference
Turnovers were another decisive factor.
Phoenix committed 23 turnovers.
Los Angeles committed 11.
That is a 12-turnover difference.
The Lakers converted Phoenix’s turnovers into 24 points. (NBA.com)
Phoenix therefore gave Los Angeles extra scoring opportunities while simultaneously losing possessions that could have been used to generate offense.
The Suns did have 17 assists, but 23 turnovers against 17 assists is a poor offensive balance.
The Lakers, by comparison, produced 27 assists while committing only 11 turnovers.
That combination points to a much cleaner offensive operation.
The Lakers Won the Possession Battle Differently Than Expected
Phoenix actually won the rebounding battle 47-35.
At first glance, that might suggest that the Suns controlled the physical side of the game.
But rebounding was not enough.
The Lakers generated 17 steals compared with Phoenix’s 8. That defensive activity helped create transition opportunities and contributed to the massive turnover gap.
Los Angeles also scored 19 fast-break points compared with three for Phoenix. (NBA.com)
That 16-point difference in transition scoring is significant.
Phoenix’s 23 turnovers did not simply disappear from the box score. Many became immediate scoring opportunities for Los Angeles.
Second-Chance Points Helped Phoenix
Phoenix did have one major advantage in terms of offensive rebounding and second opportunities.
The Suns scored 27 second-chance points. (NBA.com)
This helped them remain competitive for stretches even though their shooting percentage was poor.
However, second-chance opportunities could not completely offset:
- 23 turnovers
- 17.5% three-point shooting
- 33.8% overall shooting
- Only 73 total points
This is a useful lesson when analyzing basketball statistics.
Winning one category does not guarantee winning the game. The quality and interaction of several categories matter more than one isolated number.
Defensive Pressure Was the Lakers’ Hidden Advantage
The Lakers recorded 17 steals.
That number is unusually important because it directly connects to Phoenix’s 23 turnovers.
The Lakers were not merely waiting for Phoenix to miss shots. They were actively disrupting possessions.
The defensive pressure also contributed to the pace of the game. Los Angeles scored 19 fast-break points, while Phoenix managed only three. (NBA.com)
That difference suggests that the Lakers were much better at turning defensive events into immediate offense.
In a game where half-court scoring was difficult for Phoenix, giving Los Angeles transition opportunities was especially costly.
Phoenix Suns vs Lakers Match Player Stats and the Missing Stars
Any serious analysis of this matchup has to consider who did not play.
Devin Booker was unavailable for Phoenix, while Jalen Green also sat out. Their absence significantly reduced Phoenix’s shot creation and scoring options. (NBA.com)
Los Angeles was also short-handed.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were unavailable, leaving James with more offensive responsibility.
The difference was that the Lakers successfully replaced some of their missing creation through James, Kennard, Hachimura, and Smart.
Phoenix struggled to replicate its normal offensive structure.
That is one of the most important contextual factors behind the final score.
Why LeBron James Controlled the Game
James’ influence was not limited to his 28 points.
He controlled the game in several ways.
Scoring
James shot 10-for-16 from the field, giving Los Angeles an efficient primary scoring option.
Playmaking
His 12 assists were a game high.
Rebounding
He added six rebounds.
Defense
He recorded four steals.
Pace and Decision-Making
James consistently made the right choice between attacking, passing, and slowing the game down.
The official NBA recap noted that he scored or assisted on nine of Los Angeles’ first 10 field goals. (NBA.com)
That tells us something important about his role.
He was not simply finishing plays. He was initiating the Lakers’ offense.
Season-Series Context
The April matchup was the fifth meeting between Phoenix and Los Angeles during the 2025-26 regular season.
The Lakers won the April game 101-73, but Phoenix had already secured three wins in the season series. The NBA matchup history shows Phoenix winning 125-108 on December 1, 116-114 on December 14, and 132-108 on December 23, while the Lakers won 110-113 on February 26 and 101-73 in the April meeting. (NBA.com)
That means Phoenix won the regular-season series 3-2.
The season-series record is important because it prevents one game from being interpreted as the complete picture of the matchup.
The Lakers clearly won the final meeting, but Phoenix had previously demonstrated that it could cause serious problems for Los Angeles.
Important Statistical Corrections
When publishing game analysis, accuracy matters more than simply repeating a supplied stat sheet.
Several figures in the initial data provided for this game do not match the official NBA records.
The verified figures show:
- Oso Ighodaro, not Mark Williams, was Phoenix’s leading rebounder with 10.
- Jarred Vanderbilt, not Maxi Kleber, was the Lakers’ leading rebounder with 7.
- Phoenix had three players tied for the team-high in assists at 3: Jamaree Bouyea, Collin Gillespie, and Royce O’Neale.
- LeBron James led the Lakers in assists with 12.
- Dillon Brooks led Phoenix in scoring with 12.
- LeBron James led Los Angeles in scoring with 28. (NBA.com)
These corrections are important for anyone using the article for fantasy research, statistical analysis, historical reference, or sports reporting.
For the most authoritative version of the box score, readers should use the official NBA box score.
What the Game Reveals About Both Teams
The result offers several useful basketball lessons.
Los Angeles Can Win Through Efficiency
The Lakers did not need an enormous three-point total.
They made eight threes, compared with Phoenix’s seven.
The difference was that Los Angeles shot 40% from three while Phoenix shot 17.5%.
That is a massive efficiency gap.
Phoenix Needs Reliable Shot Creation
Without Booker and Green, Phoenix lacked enough players capable of consistently creating efficient shots.
Brooks led the team with only 12 points.
A team can survive one low-scoring starter if other players compensate. Phoenix did not have enough offensive production elsewhere.
Turnovers Can Overwhelm Rebounding
Phoenix won the rebounding battle by 12.
Yet Los Angeles won comfortably.
The reason was that the Lakers created 17 steals and forced Phoenix into 23 turnovers.
This is a powerful example of why possession quality can matter more than raw rebound totals.
Transition Scoring Changed the Game
Los Angeles scored 19 fast-break points.
Phoenix scored only three.
That 16-point difference almost covers the entire 28-point final margin by itself.
It also explains why Los Angeles could maintain separation even when Phoenix collected offensive rebounds.
A Closer Look at the Lakers’ Offensive Structure
The Lakers’ offensive approach was particularly effective because the scoring responsibilities were spread across several players.
James provided the primary creation.
Kennard provided perimeter shooting.
Hachimura supplied efficient scoring and spacing.
Ayton provided interior scoring.
Smart helped organize the offense.
This distribution meant Phoenix could not rely on stopping one action.
Even with major players unavailable, Los Angeles maintained enough structure to produce 27 assists.
That is one of the most revealing statistics in the game.
A Closer Look at Phoenix’s Offensive Problems
Phoenix’s offense was much less stable.
The Suns produced only 17 assists while committing 23 turnovers.
That creates a negative assist-to-turnover relationship and reflects difficulty maintaining clean offensive possessions.
Their 40 three-point attempts also show how heavily the offense depended on perimeter scoring once the Lakers created separation.
But volume did not translate into production.
Seven made threes from 40 attempts gave Phoenix just 21 points from beyond the arc.
For comparison, Los Angeles made eight threes from only 20 attempts.
The Lakers therefore scored 24 points from their 20 three-point attempts.
Phoenix needed almost twice as many attempts to score 21 points.
Individual Matchup Lessons
The individual matchups also provide useful insight.
James was highly efficient against Phoenix’s defense.
Brooks, one of Phoenix’s primary perimeter defenders, had to handle a difficult offensive workload at the same time.
Ayton’s presence helped Los Angeles inside, while Phoenix’s bigs struggled to convert enough possessions into points.
O’Neale and Ighodaro provided useful secondary contributions, but Phoenix needed significantly more from the rest of the roster.
That imbalance became more obvious as the game progressed.
How to Read These Stats Without Overreacting
A 28-point win can tempt analysts to make sweeping conclusions.
That would be a mistake.
Phoenix had key players unavailable.
Los Angeles also had key players unavailable.
The Suns had already won three earlier meetings in the season series.
Therefore, the April result should be understood as a strong game-specific performance rather than proof that Los Angeles had permanently solved Phoenix.
At the same time, the statistical dominance was real.
The Lakers did not win by a lucky final possession or one hot shooting stretch.
They won by combining:
- 50.7% field-goal shooting
- 40% three-point shooting
- 27 assists
- 17 steals
- Only 11 turnovers
- 19 fast-break points
- Strong free-throw shooting
That is a comprehensive team performance.
Who Was the Best Player?
LeBron James was clearly the best player in the game.
His 28 points led all scorers.
His 12 assists led all players.
His six rebounds added further value.
His four steals contributed defensively.
And his +27 plus/minus reflected the Lakers’ dominance while he was on the court. (Basketball Reference)
Luke Kennard was the Lakers’ second-leading scorer with 19 points.
For Phoenix, Dillon Brooks led the team with 12 points, while Oso Ighodaro stood out on the glass with 10 rebounds.
What Fantasy and Statistical Analysts Should Take From the Game
For fantasy basketball and statistical analysis, context is essential.
James’ 28-point performance came with 12 assists and six rebounds, making his overall contribution much more valuable than his scoring total suggests.
Kennard’s 19 points on 50% shooting also demonstrate the value of efficient secondary scoring.
For Phoenix, Ighodaro’s 10 rebounds were more encouraging than his eight points.
O’Neale’s 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists showed his ability to contribute across multiple categories.
Brooks’ 12 points were less impressive from an efficiency standpoint because he needed 14 field-goal attempts and went 0-for-4 from three.
What This Game Means Historically
The game also had historical significance because James reached 12,000 career assists.
That milestone placed him among an extremely small group of NBA players.
According to Reuters, James became only the fourth player in league history to reach 12,000 career assists, joining John Stockton, Chris Paul, and Jason Kidd in that statistical category. (Reuters)
The milestone adds another layer to an already notable performance.
James did not simply lead the Lakers to a win. He reached one of the most significant playmaking milestones in NBA history during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Suns vs Lakers game?
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 101-73. The Lakers led 33-24 after the first quarter and finished with a 20-point fourth quarter while Phoenix scored only nine. (NBA.com)
Who led the Lakers in scoring?
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points. He also recorded 12 assists, six rebounds, and four steals. (NBA.com)
Who led the Suns in scoring?
Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 12 points. He shot 5-for-14 from the field and did not make a three-pointer. (NBA.com)
Who had the most rebounds in the game?
Oso Ighodaro led all players with 10 rebounds for Phoenix. Jarred Vanderbilt led the Lakers with seven rebounds. (NBA.com)
How many turnovers did the Suns have?
Phoenix committed 23 turnovers, while Los Angeles committed 11. The Lakers scored 24 points from Phoenix turnovers. (NBA.com)
Who won the 2025-26 season series?
Phoenix won the regular-season series 3-2 despite losing the final meeting 101-73. The Suns won the first three meetings, while the Lakers won the final two. (NBA.com)
Conclusion
The Phoenix Suns vs Lakers match player stats from this matchup show a Lakers team that won through efficiency, ball movement, defensive pressure, and transition offense.
LeBron James was the central figure, finishing with 28 points and 12 assists while also contributing six rebounds and four steals. Luke Kennard added 19 points, Rui Hachimura scored 13, and Deandre Ayton contributed 10.
Phoenix’s strongest individual contributions came from Dillon Brooks, who scored 12 points, Oso Ighodaro, who grabbed 10 rebounds, and Royce O’Neale, who posted 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
The larger statistical story was even more decisive. Los Angeles shot 50.7% from the field compared with Phoenix’s 33.8%, committed 12 fewer turnovers, produced 10 more assists, and recorded nine more steals. The Lakers also held a 19-3 advantage in fast-break points.
Phoenix did win the rebounding battle 47-35 and generated 27 second-chance points, but those advantages could not overcome poor shooting and 23 turnovers.
The result was therefore more than a routine regular-season win. It was a detailed example of how efficient shooting, possession control, and defensive pressure can outweigh a significant rebounding disadvantage.
