5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

Lakers Shoot Less Than 20 Percent From Three

In the Lakers’ last six games, there have been three outings during which they connected on 25 percent or less of their three-pointers. It’s been a big part of their offensive struggles, especially with D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young out of the lineup.

It’s not going to get any better against the Suns. That’s not to say the Phoenix defense is a nightmare for opposing shooters, but it’s just going to be one of those nights for Los Angeles.

I’d expect something similar to what happened against the New Orleans Pelicans a week ago. During that contest, they sank only five of their 30 shots from beyond the arc–a pitiful 16.7 percent.

That’s a staggering percentage for a team that came out of the gates red hot to start the season.

The absence of Young specifically hurts the Lakers from long range. He’s been deadly from distance this season, as we’ve seen on numerous occasions. With him nursing a calf injury, Los Angeles has been forced to look elsewhere for production from outside.

Unfortunately, on Friday, they aren’t going to get it. No matter who’s putting up the shots, they’re going to struggle to get them to go in. When all is said and done, the Lakers will have made less than 20 percent of their three-pointers.