Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) react during an altercation that resulted in a technical for Brooks during the second half of a game at at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The game took place Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns, when the Lakers nearly let a big lead slip away. Los Angeles won 118-116, but Smart’s late mistakes became a key talking point. The guard addressed his role after the game, taking responsibility for the tense finish.

When the final buzzer sounded on Sunday night, the game between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just come to a close; it shifted into scrutiny.

PHOENIX — The ultimate achievement of Sunday’s 116-114 theatrical Phoenix Suns loss to the Los Angeles Lakers wasn’t how they lost or even how they roared back inside the game’s chaos. It was how a rivalry going back decades has now been reignited to a peak temperature we haven’t seen in many years.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker returned to the starting lineup for the team’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.