Lakers and Suns Set to Clash Amidst Injury Concerns and Playoff Implications
The Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) travel to Phoenix to face the Suns (33-26) on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup with playoff implications. Both teams are looking to snap two-game losing streaks as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. The game will be televised on 3TV and Arizona’s Family Sports, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.
Playoff Positioning at Stake
As of February 26, 2026, the Suns sit in seventh place in the Western Conference, trailing the Lakers by just two games for the sixth seed. Securing a top-six spot guarantees a team a place in the playoffs, while teams finishing seventh through tenth will compete in the play-in tournament for the seventh and eighth seeds.
Suns Grappling with Injuries
Phoenix will be without several key players, including Devin Booker (right hip strain), Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture), Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain), Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management), and Cole Anthony. These injuries account for a significant portion of the Suns’ offensive production, with the absent players contributing 54.5 of the team’s 112.1 points per game. The Suns have struggled offensively in their recent games, scoring under 95 points in three of their last four contests and averaging an NBA-worst 91.3 points during that stretch.
Lakers’ Injury Report
The Lakers will be without Rui Hachimura due to illness, while Jaxson Hayes is listed as probable with a right ankle sprain.
Rivalry History
The Lakers-Suns rivalry dates back to November 3, 1968, with the Lakers winning the first meeting 127-109. As of December 23, 2025, the Lakers lead the all-time series 194-149, with a 154-121 advantage in regular season games and a 40-28 record in postseason matchups. However, the Suns have won five of the last seven playoff series between the two teams since 1990, including victories in 1993, 2006, and 2007. The most recent meeting on December 23, 2025, saw the Suns defeat the Lakers 132-108. The next scheduled game is February 26, 2026.