After losing to the other LA team, the Detroit Pistons are in Crypto.com Arena hoping to not start a second losing skid this season. They’re hosted by a reworked, experimental Lakers trying out new strategies.

The LA Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak on Sunday after beating the Sacramento Kings, 125-101. Coach JJ Redick's harsh words about the team seem to have motivated the Lakers into one of their performances of the season. Luka Doncic led the way with 34 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

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One loss doesn’t derail a season. However, the way the Lakers’ third straight defeat unfolded against the Rockets told a bigger story. The flashing 119-96 itself raised eyebrows, then Luka Dončić calling out the group made it clear that something wasn’t right.

The Phoenix Suns turned a close game into a 132-108 rout of the LA Lakers on Tuesday. After leading 67-57 at halftime, the home team went ahead 99-72 halfway through the third quarter.

Lakers vs Suns best bet: Devin Booker Over 25.5 points (-115) The Phoenix Suns are looking like a Play-in team, but they need Devin Booker to keep balling out to stay on the heels of the Top 6 in the West.

The Lakers’ growing injury list added another name this week as Jarred Vanderbilt was listed questionable, putting further strain on a roster already struggling to find stability.

Luka Doncic scored 34 points — half on free throws — and LeBron James added 31 as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies 128-121 on Friday night to open a two-game set.

Writer offers theory on real reason Lakers are underachieving originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are underachieving this season.