Lakers’ Momentum Stalls as Turnovers and Suns’ Pressure End Win Streak: “We Played Like Sh*t,” Reaves Admits
The Los Angeles Lakers came into Monday night riding high on a seven-game win streak. But by the time the final buzzer sounded at Crypto.com Arena, it was clear: the Phoenix Suns weren’t interested in playing the role of supporting cast. They brought the energy, forced mistakes, and walked out with a 125-108 win that left the Lakers searching for answers - and Austin Reaves didn’t sugarcoat it.
“We played like sh*t,” Reaves said bluntly after the game. “I dribbled the ball literally out of bounds one time.
It’s one of those games. We played bad, they played harder than us.
That can’t happen.”
He’s not wrong. The Lakers were careless with the ball all night, coughing it up 22 times - turnovers that the Suns turned into 32 points.
That’s a backbreaker in any game, especially against a team that thrives in transition like Phoenix. Reaves himself had five turnovers, while Luka Doncic committed nine and LeBron James added three of his own.
It was uncharacteristic, and it cost them.
The game started with promise, but Phoenix turned up the heat in the second quarter and never looked back. Their pressure disrupted the Lakers’ rhythm, and Los Angeles never fully recovered. Every time the Lakers tried to mount a run, another turnover or defensive lapse killed the momentum.
Inside the locker room, the mood matched Reaves’ words - frustrated, disappointed, and aware that they let one slip. This wasn’t just about missed shots or cold shooting stretches.
It was about effort and execution, two things the Lakers had been doing well during their win streak. On Monday, both went missing.
Despite the loss, one thing that continues to stand out this season is the growing chemistry between Reaves and Doncic. Off the court, they’ve built a bond that fans have picked up on - whether it’s their relaxed interactions during warm-ups or the occasional viral moment online.
Reaves even joked about his offseason plans, referencing a conversation with Doncic: “I told him last summer I was coming. He didn’t tell me no, but he didn’t tell me yes.
But next summer I’m going to be there. I don’t know if he’s gonna welcome me, but I’m coming for sure.”
That connection is translating on the floor, too. Reaves noted that Doncic’s ability to draw defenders and create space makes the game easier for him.
“His passing and the attention he gets - it gives me easy looks,” Reaves said. “It just feels natural playing next to him.”
And while there’s still room for their on-court chemistry to grow, the foundation is clearly there. The Lakers will need that partnership - and more - as they regroup from this loss and look to get back on track.
A seven-game win streak doesn’t happen by accident, and neither does a 22-turnover night. Monday was a reality check.
The good news? The season’s long, and this team has shown it can bounce back.
But as Reaves put it, “That can’t happen.” And if the Lakers want to be taken seriously in a crowded Western Conference, it better not happen often.