Lakers rout the Phoenix Suns, 115-99

The Lakers pulled out one of their easiest wins of the season, using 17 unanswered points in the second quarter to build an 18-point lead during a 115-99 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night at Staples Center.

Phoenix tried to make some runs in the second half but never truly challenged the Lakers, who improved to 25-48.

Chris Kaman tied his season high with 28 points, while grabbing 17 rebounds and dishing six assists in 32 minutes. Jodie Meeks added 22 points for the Lakers, who shot 53% from the field in the game.

The Suns got a spark from Gerald Green off the bench with 22 points, but Phoenix struggled defensively for most of the night.

Playing without Pau Gasol (vertigo), Kobe Bryant (knee), Steve Nash (nerve root irritation), Xavier Henry (knee) and Jordan Farmar (groin), the Lakers coasted to victory despite shooting only 5 of 18 from three-point range.

Ryan Kelly added 17 points off the bench while reserve Nick Young contributed 11. Starters Kent Bazemore finished wiht 12 points and five assists while Kendall Marshall chipped in a double-double against his former team with 13 points and 11 assists.

The Suns (44-30), fighting for playoff position, shot only 38.5% from the field, getting 17 points from Goran Dragic. Former Clipper Eric Bledsoe, though, shot just 1 of 9 from the field for 10 points, making 8 of 11 from the free-throw line.

Phoenix’s Markieff Morris had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. His brother, Marcus Morris, scored 15.

The win could be costly for the Lakers, who are now tied with the Sacramento Kings (25-48) for the sixth-worst record in the league. The Utah Jazz (23-51) and Boston Celtics (23-50) might not win two more games this season, although Utah still plays the Lakers, and Boston will draw the Philadelphia 76ers (16-57) twice.

The Lakers play again on Tuesday, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (48-27). The Suns return home to Phoenix to host the Clippers (52-22) on Wednesday.

Lakers 89, Suns 74 (end of third quarter)

The Suns weren’t able to gain much traction for a comeback in the third quarter, still down big to the Lakers.

Chris Kaman continues to play well, scoring 24 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Jodie Meeks has 20 points while Kendall Marshall is nearing a double-double with eight points and nine assists.

The Lakers are shooting 54.0% from the field and are holding a big lead despite shooting only 4 of 12 from three-point range.

Gerald Green has 19 points off the bench to lead the Suns, while starting point guard Goran Dragic has 17 points and four assists. Phoenix is shooting only 37.8% from the field.

Lakers 61, Suns 43 (halftime)

Gerald Green sparked a Phoenix run to make up all of the Suns’ first-half deficit, giving his team a one-point lead almost halfway through the second quarter.

Green’s scoring jag ended with just over five minutes left in the period, with the Suns trailing the Laker, 40-39.

Over the next four minutes, the Lakers scored 17 unanswered points to pull ahead of Phoenix, 57-39.

Chris Kaman has a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, along with four assists. Jodie Meeks has 15 points while Ryan Kelly has contributed 10 off the bench.

The Lakers are shooting 52.2% from the field and have three turnovers.

Green leads the Suns with 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting. The Suns are shooting only 34% from the field.

Lakers 26, Suns 15 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers started well against the Suns, pulling ahead by as many as 13 points before finishing the first quarter ahead by 11.

Chris Kaman is leading the Lakers with 10 points and eight rebounds in 9 1/2 minutes. The Lakers are shooting 45.5% from the field while holding Phoenix to 25% shooting.

Goran Dragic is the leading scorer for the Suns, with seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. The rest of the Suns are shooting 4 of 23 (17.4%).

Pregame

The Lakers (24-48) host the Phoenix Suns (44-29) on Sunday night at Staples Center.

Phoenix is fighting to hold onto a playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Lakers have been long eliminated.

Steve Nash (nerve root irritation) is a game-time decision. Pau Gasol (vertigo), Xavier Henry (knee), Kobe Bryant (knee) and Jordan Farmar (groin) are out.

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

ALSO:

Lakers can’t stop Kevin Love, Timberwolves in 143-107 loss

Julius Randle raises draft stock, helping Kentucky to Elite Eight

Lottery prospect Aaron Gordon advances with Arizona to NCAA Elite 8

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.