Lakers eliminated from playoff contention

Without LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Phoenix suns 121-110. 

This is the second time the Lakers have missed the playoff since James arrived in 2018.

Russell Westbrook led the team in scoring with 28 points while making 50% of his field goals. Anthony Davis was close behind clocking in a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. 

Austin Reaves helped off the bench with 18 points and six assists while shooting 60% from the field. 

However, the Sun's offense proved too much for the Purple and Gold with Phoenix making five more threes and 11 more field goals overall. 

Devin Booker led the Suns in scoring with 32 points while also grabbing seven boards and dishing out four assists. Deandre Ayton added 22 points while also grabbing 13 rebounds. 

The Lakers kept it close for the majority of the game but after dropping down to an 18-point deficit by the end of the third quarter struggled to claw their way back.

The Lakers have missed the playoffs seven out of the last nine years. Before the 2013-2014 season, the Lakers had only missed the playoffs five times since 1948, when the team was founded in Minnesota.