The Suns' underwhelming season continues in loss to Lakers

The Phoenix Suns' disappointing season was showcased on the national stage in a 107-96 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. 

The Lakers were without superstar LeBron James as he continues to rehab from a groin injury. Nonetheless, Luka Doncic led the way with 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists on 8-of-20 from the field. 

Furthermore, Austin Reaves contributed 28 points on 10-of-21 from the field and led the offense when Doncic was on the bench. The win for Los Angeles snapped its four-game losing streak since James' injury.

As for Phoenix, it remains 1.5 games back behind the injury-riddled Dallas Mavericks for the final spot in the play-in tournament. 

The tandem of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal for the Suns has largely been a disappointment this season. Durant garnered just four first half points and finished with 21 for the game on 6-of-17 from the field.

Booker and Beal shot a combined 34% from the field and 0-of-5 from three point range. In fact, the Suns collectively made just 9 of 41 threes throughout the entire game at 22%. 

One of the glaring issues for Phoenix is its lack of defense. In fact, the Suns have allowed their last 25 opponents to score at least 100 points. Overall, the Suns rank 22nd in points allowed in the league. 

Phoenix isn't out of the play-in race yet, but eight out of its final 14 games consists of teams that made the postseason last year.