The 7-2 Los Angeles Lakers got cooled off on Monday by the Toronto Raptors, 113-104, while the 6-3 Phoenix Suns got hot in their 138-112 domination of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. This should be an interesting match-up between a team with a lot to prove and a team eager to prove that they belong.

An off-night and a rather passive LeBron

The Lakers’ seven-game winning streak was snapped courtesy of poor play in the second-half. They went to halftime with a nine point lead but then proceeded to give up 61 points and shoot a woeful 32% from the floor (16-for-50).

Though he logged in a triple-double (13 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists), LeBron James was suddenly passive in the last two quarters as he only went 1-for-8 in the half, and it was against the defending champions, an opponent where everyone’s intensity should be high.

This is not a cause for concern for now but James ought to provide a bounce back performance against the Suns. He averaged a double-double in last year’s season series – 22.7 points, 11.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds.

The Lakers should be fine

The loss against the Raptors should only be a bump in the road if they don’t let it mess up their rhythm. The Lakers are still parading the third-best scoring defense (100.1 PAPG) and second-best defensive rating in the league. Anthony Davis is also a proven scorer anywhere (26.6 PPG), especially downlow, and they have good mixture of veteran talent on the roster.

The Suns’ surge could be real

Confidence is continuing to beam inside the Suns’ locker room. After a good start to the season, they have now shown that they can quickly come back from a double-digit loss. Following the beating they got from the Miami Heat, they easily dispatched the Nets the very next game in a 26-point rout.

The Suns, who scored 30-plus in each quarter against Brooklyn, simply clicked that day. Seven scored in double figures, the team shot 52.5% from the field, and their outside attack sank a season-high 19 threes.

Such a win will be a perfect momentum-builder whenever they take on a marquee opponent like the Lakers. The starting five of Devin Booker (25.8 PPG), Kelly Oubre (17.2 PPG), Aron Baynes (15.8 PPG), and Ricky Rubio (13.6 PPG, 8.6 APG) are all gelling right now and they look capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in the league.

PREDICTION:

The Lakers will play better than what they did on Monday, but will eventually be overwhelmed by the Suns’ offense.