Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ visit their neighbor state for a meeting in Phoenix.
1) The Lakers are coming off their first home win of the season over Detroit on Sunday. In that game, their defense held their opponent to a season-low 85 points. After allowing a league-high 116.8 points through its first four contests, L.A. has surrendered 95.7 in six games since, which ranks 11th-best in the NBA.
2) The Lakers will be without the services of Kobe Bryant, who did not fly to Phoenix after playing 36 minutes in Sunday’s victory.