There are myriad reasons the Los Angeles Lakers suffered an inexplicable loss to the Phoenix Suns, namely a lack of urgency and porous defense. But as they attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, a call that went in favor of the Suns arguably swung the outcome.
With Josh Hart having switched onto DeAndre Ayton, the Suns cleared out for the young center to operate. The decision was somewhat surprising considering Hart has already developed a reputation for being a stalwart defender when matched up on players bigger than him.
He denied Ayton’s initial and counter moves, then appeared to get hooked by his left elbow.