NBA: Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting Fives

On Friday, October 22nd, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Phoenix Suns in their second game of the season at Staples Center. In their season opener, the Lakers were defeated by the Golden State Warriors 121-114. They'll try to snap their losing record, which extends back to the NBA playoffs in 2020.

After a painful 110-98 loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Suns will be looking to win their first game of the 2021-22 season. After losing in the NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks last season, the Suns will try to repeat they're amazing run and win the title this time.

Injury Report for the Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns will hope to have a healthy roster heading into the new season. The Suns have a healthy roster, with the exception of Dario Saric, who was injured in the 2021 NBA Playoffs versus the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Phoenix Suns will be at full strength following Devin Booker's return from health and safety protocols. Despite the fact that Booker failed to establish his rhythm in the previous game, he should be fully recovered and ready to play in Friday's clash.

Injury Update for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, have a slew of injuries to start the season. A number of key players and veterans who were anticipated to make significant contributions to the team have been injured.

Both Kendrick Nunn and Talen Horton-Tucker are anticipated to miss time. Nunn will be assessed again in two to three weeks. Horton-Tucker, on the other hand, is out indefinitely due to a thumb injury.

Trevor Ariza has yet to play in a LA Lakers uniform after undergoing foot surgery. Due to a hamstring ailment, Wayne Ellington is also scheduled to miss the game.

Sekou Doumbouya signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month. He has been labeled as questionable against the Phoenix Suns after missing the previous game due to a gastrointestinal illness.

Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers: Predicted Lineups

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are in a strong position to compete for a championship with a healthy roster and a full-strength core. The Suns have established themselves as a solid club under head coach Monty Williams as a proficient team with outstanding chemistry. The Phoenix Suns are a serious danger from mid-range and beyond the arc, thanks to a backcourt that includes Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Deandre Ayton provides a strong interior presence for the Suns. Mikal Bridges' continuing improvement as a scorer has made him a legitimate offensive option for the Phoenix Suns.

Off the bench, Landry Shamet, Cameron Payne, Cameron Johnson, and Javale McGee will all play substantial minutes. Shamet and Johnson appear to be serious three-point threats, while Payne is a strong point guard substitute for Paul.

LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers will try to establish a balance between LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, their Big Three. The Lakers' chemistry concerns will need to be resolved quickly now that they have a handful of new players on their roster.

Westbrook will try to make amends for his poor start with the Los Angeles Lakers. Newcomers like Carmelo Anthony, Kent Bazemore, and Malik Monk will need to be more active outside of the arc.

When it comes to dealing with Ayton and McGee on Friday, the LA Lakers' big-man rotation of DeAndre Jordan, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis will have their hands full.

With their work cut out for them on the glass, Jordan and Howard at the five should see a lot of minutes to keep Davis out of foul trouble.

Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers: Predicted Starting Fives

Phoenix Suns

G - Chris Paul | G - Devin Booker | F - Mikal Bridges | F - Jae Crawford | C - Deandre Ayton

LA Lakers

G - Russell Westbrook | G - Kent Bazemore | F - LeBron James | F - Antony Davis | C - DeAndre Jordan