NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are having a rough moment without LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Phoenix Suns for their third game of the four-game regular season, at the Staples Center. The Lakers are currently 2-0 up against the Suns with both being blowout wins.

The Los Angeles Lakers' perspective

Nothing seems to be going right for the Los Angeles Lakers. Even though they turned the league upside down by recruiting the best player in the NBA, LeBron James, they got off to a very sluggish start and received a lot of criticism.

Once they started winning games and just when it looked like they have finally figured out things, they lost LeBron to a groin injury. Then they lost Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball which only made the situation worse for the team.

The Lakers are currently on a three-game losing streak, placed at ninth spot in the competitive Western Conference. The team is in desperate need of some wins and in their last game, Rondo came back and started at point guard, posting an impressive double-double.

We do not yet know the exact date for LeBron's return and even though this team is definitely going to be better once he returns, in case his return doesn't happen before the All-Star Game, it can get tougher for the team to make it to the playoffs.

LeBron is out for the game and Kyle Kuzma is questionable because of the hip strain.

Predicted Los Angeles Lakers' starting line-up:

Brandon Ingram (F), Michael Beasley (F), Ivica Zubac (C), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G) and Rajon Rondo (G)

The Phoenix Suns' perspective

It is safe to say that the Phoenix Suns are one of the worst teams in the league and even though they have talented players, they just cannot win games. They are placed at the bottom of the Western Conference Standings table at 11-40 and are most likely going to remain at the same position at the end of the regular season.

Devin Booker has been balling and is having the best season of his career. The Rookie Deandre Ayton has also been sensational so far for the Suns and is expected to end up in the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

The Suns are on a seven-game losing streak with their recent loss coming against the Nicola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets. They will be looking to end their losing streak and finally get a win in the Staples Center.

Predicted Phoenix Suns' starting line-up:

Dragan Bender (F), Mikal Bridges (F), Josh Jackson (F), Elie Okobo (G) and Devin Booker (G)

How the things might unfold

The Suns, who are known for their inconsistency, will be without Ayton, the rookie who has already transitioned into one of their key players. The Lakers will also be without their star LeBron but it should not be a difficult task to defeat a very poor Suns. In all likelihood, this will be a blowout win for the purple and gold.

Also read: NBA Daily Schedule, Latest Results, and TV Listings