The Phoenix Suns, coming off a 49-point loss to Oklahoma City in NBA Cup quarterfinals, rallied from 20 down but lost late to the Lakers.

PHOENIX — The ultimate achievement of Sunday’s 116-114 theatrical Phoenix Suns loss to the Los Angeles Lakers wasn’t how they lost or even how they roared back inside the game’s chaos. It was how a rivalry going back decades has now been reignited to a peak temperature we haven’t seen in many years.

The Los Angeles Lakers had effectively removed Jarred Vanderbilt from the regular rotation in recent weeks. Head coach JJ Redick made the choice in spite of what Vanderbilt brings defensively, as his offensive limitations were simply too much to overcome. But Redick brought Vanderbilt back into the mix against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.

Markeiff Morris felt that Lakers star LeBron James didn't get enough respect from the team last season in the wake of the Luka Doncic trade.

The Phoenix Suns are 1-2 without star guard Devin Booker, who has missed their past three games with a right groin strain.

Phoenix Suns on the road after an NBA Cup elimination. Despite injuries, the Suns, led by Dillon Brooks and coaching, have been competitive. The Lakers, coming off a defensive lapse, will rely on Luka Doncic and LeBron James against a tenacious Phoenix squad.

LeBron James—who missed two games with the Lakers due to injury—broke the record for most minutes played in the NBA during the team's Dec. 19 game against the Sacramento Kings.