NBA: Suns Shock Lakers in Los Angeles as Brooks Shines and Luka Melts Down

Date: December 1, 2025 | Venue: Crypto.com Arena

It was supposed to be another routine victory for the Los Angeles “Super Team.” The Lakers (#2 Seed), riding high and playing at home, hosted an unstable and pressured Phoenix Suns (#7 Seed). But what we witnessed on Monday night was a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood script.

In a duel marked by 12 lead changes and physical tension, the Suns overcame the loss of their star player to win 125-108, exposing the defensive wounds of a visibly exhausted Lakers squad.

If you missed the game, here is the deep-dive analysis of what defined this crucial NBA 2025-26 Season matchup.

The Luka Dončić Paradox: Genius and Carelessness

The headline of the night inevitably passes through the hands of Luka Dončić. The Slovenian star delivered a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” performance.

• The Scoring Machine: Luka was the game’s top scorer with 38 points, dominating the first quarter (where he leads the league) with deep threes and unstoppable drives.

• The Collapse Factor: However, the genius came at a high price. Luka committed 9 turnovers, many in crucial moments, allowing the Suns to run in transition.

While Luka tried to carry the load, LeBron James (10 assists, but only 10 points) assumed a facilitator role, visibly conserving energy in the middle of a brutal back-to-back.

“No Booker, No Problem”: The Rise of the Supporting Cast

The panic moment for Phoenix came early. Devin Booker, who started “on fire” with 11 quick points, left the court and did not return (“No Book for the rest of the game”). It looked like the end of the line for the visitors.

But that is when the roster’s depth shined, led by two unlikely names:

1. Dillon Brooks: The Villain Lakers Hate to Love

Known for his historic rivalry with the Lakers (dating back to his Memphis days), Dillon Brooks was “feeling it.” He took over the offensive volume, attacking the rim with aggression and finishing with 33 points. Brooks didn’t just score; he brought the physical energy the home team lacked.

2. Collin Gillespie: The Silent Sniper

Coming off the bench, Collin Gillespie was the X-Factor. Described on the broadcast as having the “prettiest jump shot in the league,” he punished the LA defense with three-pointers from the logo. His confidence (28 points) was the dagger that broke the Lakers’ resistance.

The Key to Defeat: “Tardy” Defense and Fatigue

There is no ignoring the context: the Lakers were in the middle of the “toughest stretch of the season.” Coming off a win the previous night (133-121), the Los Angeles team took the floor with heavy legs.

The game report was ruthless: the Lakers’ defense was classified as “very tardy” in getting back.

• On multiple possessions, the Suns attacked with a numerical advantage (4-on-2 fast breaks).

• The inability to defend home court turned a balanced game into a double-digit blowout in the final quarter.

Verdict: Warning Sign or Just Fatigue?

For the Lakers, the loss serves as a warning: relying on Luka’s offensive heroics does not compensate for a slow transition defense. For the Suns, the victory is massive. Beating the #2 seed in the West on the road, without their biggest star for most of the game, proves that Phoenix is much more than just Devin Booker.

And you, fans? Was the loss due to Luka’s turnovers, or does the Lakers’ defense need urgent adjustments? Leave your opinion in the comments!