Lakers Fall to Suns on Royce O’Neale’s winner

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 3:15 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered yet another devastating loss on Thursday. This time, it was to the shorthanded Phoenix Suns.

The game was won by the Suns in the final seconds as Royce O’Neale nailed a clutch three-pointer, giving Phoenix the 113-110 victory.

The Lakers were led by Luka Doncic‘s monster 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while LeBron James added 15 points. LA had a chance to send the game into overtime but Austin Reaves‘ three at the buzzer missed.

The Suns were missing key players like Devin Booker (hip strain) and Dillon Brooks (fractured hand). That didn’t faze them as Grayson Allen led the charge with 28 points, while Collin Gillespie contributed 21 points with four threes in the fourth.

This defeat underscores the Lakers’ vulnerability in close games, raising questions about their playoff readiness in a competitive Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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