LOS ANGELES — Phoenix was already shorthanded.
The Suns got even shorter, literally, when Deandre Ayton was ruled out of Monday's game with left ankle soreness. Without Ayton, Phoenix turned to a first-time starting lineup and played the Lakers tough in the first half, but ultimately succumbed to the championship contenders, 125-100, at STAPLES Center.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers (40-12) with 25 while Rajon Rondo scored 23 points off the bench, going 4-of-5 from 3. LeBron James had a near triple-double of 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Mikal Bridges paced Phoenix (21-33) with 16.