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Phoenix Suns' intensity severely lacked in blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers

Greg Moore and Duane Rankin try to get to the bottom of the Suns' recent woes. Arizona Republic

As a first-year coach, Igor Kokoskov knew the learning curve would be steep for his Suns early this season. There are new faces, a different offense and, allegedly, an emphasis on playing better defense.

But four games into the season, Kokoskov finds himself trying to coach the most basic element of any sport: effort.

The Suns aren’t putting forth enough of one, which was evident early and often in their 131-113 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday.