Lakers' LeBron James looking forward to challenge of Game 6 against Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a brutal 115-85 Game 5 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, and now they're on the brink of elimination. 

Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday night, and Lakers star LeBron James is looking forward to the challenge of trying to push a Game 7. 

"I mean, it's literally win or go home at that point," James said, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "So, you shoot all the bullets you got and throw the gun too. So, I look forward to the environment.

"Obviously, our Laker faithful are going to give us a lot of energy, and I look forward to the moment, look forward to the challenge, and we'll see if it brings out the best in me and my teammates."

James finished Tuesday's game with 24 points on 9-for-19 shooting and seven assists, but it wasn't enough as the rest of the team struggled in Anthony Davis' absence due to a groin strain. Dennis Schroder went 0-for-9, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed the only shot he took in 15 minutes and Alex Caruso, Wesley Matthews and Ben McLemore combined to shoot just 3-for-18.

Phoenix's Devin Booker was the best player on the court Tuesday. He notched 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes. Cameron Payne was also good, scoring 16 points, four rebounds and an assist in the Suns' win. 

The Lakers will look to avoid becoming the sixth defending champion in NBA history to lose in the first round of the playoffs the following season. At this point, it's unclear if Davis will play Game 6. James said he's approaching Thursday's contest as if he won't have Davis beside him on the court.