Suns' Booker questionable (foot) to meet Lakers, James

After some signs of life from the Phoenix Suns in the second half, the Los Angeles Lakers extended their lead and left their opponents little hope.

Kuzma emerged as a star during his rookie campaign thanks to a fearless attitude toward scoring, averaging 16.1 points while shooting 13 times per game.

Pacific division leaders the Los Angeles Clippers lost late, with a Dorian Finney-Smith tip shot putting the Dallas Mavericks ahead with 34.3 seconds left.

LeBron James had 22 points, six rebounds and eight assists; Brandon Ingram had 15 points; and Michael Beasley scored a season-high 14 off the bench for the Lakers, who have won three in a row and climbed a season-high five games above.500.

Booker has faced a handful of injuries this season, including a toe injury that forced him to miss Friday's game against the Orlando Magic.

The Lakers went 3-5 in October, but found their groove while going 10-4 in November.

The Lakers seem to have found an identity that traces back to the defensive end of the floor.

"He's always talking about me not passing the ball", Kuzma said. "Now we have to continue to get good at, better at, those other times where we're just playing basketball".

It's been a hard start to the year for Booker and company, with the Suns now sitting at 4-18 after losing seven of their last eight games.