Lakers vs. Suns Preview: The preseason finale has arrived

The Los Angeles Lakers are ready to close out preseason with a final exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns. It has been 12 days — four losses — since their last victory and looking ahead to the regular season coming off of a win would be ideal. Can they manage to stop the burning-hot Devin Booker, who leads the league in (preseason) scoring?

Booker’s dropping 21.5 points per game, piling up the majority of his points around the rim. The Lakers could be without Timofey Mozgov, who is considered questionable for the finale with a bruised tailbone he suffered in a nasty fall against the Golden State Warriors. Mozgov hit the ground so hard it felt like the entire arena shook in San Diego, so a little rest in preparation for the season opener is just fine. No Mozgov and a locked-in Booker?

Jose Calderon is also out with a strained calf. Head coach Luke Walton and the basketball operations team have to make their final roster cuts soon, and the absence of both Calderon and Mozgov could allow for a longer look at some of the bubble players. Yi Jianlian, Metta World Peace — who might have a place on the Lakers’ bench as a coach lined up — Thomas Robinson and Anthony Brown could all be on the fence right now. Two must be cut.

Brandon Ingram is coming off of his best game of preseason, showing off his scoring ability, point-forward talents and rebounding against the Dubs. A follow-up performance that looks similar to his 21-point outing would be a nice close to his first chapter with the purple and gold.

One more to go before the real lights start shining on the new Lakers. Enjoy the game.

Time: 7 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet