Here is a unique intersection of bounce-back and revenge for the Lake Show tonight in Phoenix. Much ado about Lakers defensive shortcomings after LA was shot full of holes by the Spurs in Wednesday's NBA Cup loss at Crypto.com. Moreover, Austin Reaves will be missing this game tonight in the desert. Still, the combo of Wednesday's humbling and a 125-108 home loss to the Suns two weeks ago in LA makes this an interesting psychological spot for the Lake Show. Still to be determined for Phoenix are statuses of Dillon Brooks (who scored 33 in that 17-point win) and Devin Booker, out since that same December 1 game. No matter, revenge and bounce-back both line up on LA's side tonight. Play Lakers

Much is being made about the Lakers' defensive shortcomings, which were exposed again when the Spurs knocked the Lake Show out of the NBA Cup on Wednesday at Crypto.com. Slowness on the perimeter made it tough to keep pace with the rapid-fire Spurs shooters, who kept finding open looks, especially beyond the arc, where they canned 17 triples. Of course the Suns fared even worse on Wednesday at OKC, but didn't have Devin Booker, who might be available tonight. If not, remember Booker only played 10 minutes in the 125-108 Phoenix win at LA on December 1, when Dillon Brooks (likely available) scored 33 and Collin Gillespie added 28 in a game that looked remarkably similar to the Spurs' win at LA. Play Lakers-Suns Over