PHOENIX — LeBron James missed the first free throw that would have tied it. Then, bailed out by a foul with 3.9 seconds remaining, he missed the second. A long-awaited swish finally quieted a restless crowd.
The Lakers squandered a 20-point fourth-quarter lead and survived only after Devin Booker fouled James on a three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left to win 116-114 on Sunday.
James had 26 points while Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 29 points. Playing without Austin Reaves (calf), the Lakers attempted 43 free throws in a testy game that featured five technical fouls and one late ejection.