LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on November 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Los Angeles Lakers were down big on Monday night against the Phoenix Suns. As the fourth quarter was in its final few minutes, the NBA superstar LeBron James turned into a spectator during garbage time.

While the circumstances were unfortunate for the Lakers, LeBron had an opportunity to watch his son, Bronny James, go to work. Cameras caught the future Hall of Famer celebrating Bronny’s defense on the thriving Dillon Brooks after the second-year guard prevented the veteran from getting a shot to fall.

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Dillon Brooks likes to dish it, so he has to deal with taking some heat often. However, the veteran standout ended up with the last laugh over the Lakers on Monday.

Brooks checked in for 33 minutes. He shot 15-26 from the field, knocking down only two of his seven shots from deep. He dropped a game-high 33 points, while coming down with two rebounds and dishing out two assists.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench next to his father Lebron James #23 against the Golden State Warriors in the second half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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The Suns needed a big performance from Brooks, as their star guard Devin Booker left the game during the first half. Booker was ruled out shortly after due to a groin injury. Despite missing Booker, the Suns didn’t have any issues putting a fatigued Lakers team away. Phoenix defeated Los Angeles 125-108.

Related Reading: Devin Booker Makes NBA History Before Alarming Injury vs Lakers

With that win, the Suns improved to 13-9 on the year, while the Lakers dropped just their fifth game of the season.

LeBron James returned to the court after getting Sunday night off due to foot injury management. The future Hall of Famer had a quiet outing in 31 minutes, shooting just 3-10 from the field and 3-4 from the charity stripe to produce 10 points.

As for Bronny James, he entered the game for just six minutes off the bench. He registered just one assist and turned the ball over once. Bronny was also out on Sunday night, as he was with the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate in South Bay. On Monday afternoon, the Lakers recalled the sophomore guard.

The Lakers will be back on the court on Thursday night to fire up a back-to-back, beginning with a road matchup against the Toronto Raptors.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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