As blunt as one can be, former NBA player Paul Pierce says the Lakers and the Suns don't have the intelligence to go far in the playoffs.

Deandre Ayton called the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night emotional, after spending his early years in Phoenix.

PHOENIX — Trailing from the right wing, Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks watched teammate Devin Booker rebound his own miss and turn his direction. Brooks stepped back, caught the pass and buried the biggest shot in Sunday night’s clash with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Suns acquired Green from Houston in the Kevin Durant trade before the 2025 draft. Green first injured his hamstring during training camp. He then reinjured it during a weeklong stay in China as the Suns played two preseason games against the Brooklyn Nets.

However, the Lakers’ porous defense as of late prompted Redick to play Vanderbilt against the Suns. The Suns dominated the Lakers in their last matchup because of their energy and sheer will, so Vanderbilt was brought in to help match that.

PHOENIX -- Ever since the Phoenix Suns acquired Dillon Brooks this summer, he has spearheaded a huge culture shift that has led to Phoenix completely changing its identity and surpassing all preseason expectations to this point with a 14-11 record so far.

The Los Angeles Lakers (17-7) visit the Phoenix Suns (14-11) on Sunday. Tip-off from Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, is at 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Suns odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

That is, unless you're JJ Redick, because he lives for these types of situations. He got to do so today as the Los Angeles Lakers hacked out a 116-114 victory over the pesky Phoenix Suns. Those things – the collapse, the technicals, and the barbs – all happened in this game.