Everything you need to know for Suns vs. Lakers first-round series in 2021 NBA Playoffs

Most people thought that bringing in Chris Paul would only make the Suns a fringe playoff team, but they unexpectedly surged to the top of the Western Conference with a new floor general. Paul helped Phoenix maximize the talents of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, and key role-players like Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges made valuable contributions along the way. The Suns are one of the NBA’s most well-rounded teams, but their first-round matchup could be a tough one.

The Lakers were flying high and sat atop the Western Conference for a large chunk of the first half of the season, but things went downhill when Anthony Davis suffered an Achilles injury against the Nuggets. Los Angeles went into a slump heading into the All-Star break, and things got worse when LeBron James suffered an ankle sprain after All-Star weekend. The Lakers’ stayed afloat with both their superstars out and acquired Andre Drummond to slow their descent. Los Angeles can’t be considered an underdog with all its talent and experience.

Here we’re going to track the results and provide everything you need to know for the series, including odds, betting and fantasy basketball picks and injury reports. We’ll also add in the schedule when that’s released with TV info and game times.

Suns vs. Lakers schedule

Game 1, Sunday, May 23: Suns 99, Lakers 90
Game 2, Tuesday, May 25: Lakers 109, Suns 102
Game 3, Thursday, May 27: Lakers 109, Suns 95
Game 4, Sunday, May 30: Suns 100, Lakers 92
Game 5, Tuesday, June 1: Suns 115, Lakers 85
Game 6, Thursday, June 3: Suns 113, Lakers 100
Game 7, Saturday, June 6: Suns vs. Lakers* TBD