Basketball fans in India are in for a treat this Monday as the NBA serves up a streaming-exclusive divisional showdown. The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Phoenix Suns at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday, December 1. This marks the first of four regular-season meetings between these Pacific Division rivals in the 2025-2026 campaign, promising high-stakes action for viewers tuning in via Peacock.
When and How to Watch Lakers vs Suns in India
The game is the late doubleheader feature on Peacock NBA Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on December 1. For fans in India, this translates to an early morning watch on Tuesday, December 2. The crucial detail is that this matchup will be streamed exclusively on the Peacock platform, with no traditional television broadcast. The Suns make the short trip west to Los Angeles, setting the stage for a classic conference battle.
Team Form and Starting Lineups
The Lakers enter this contest with significant momentum from their last outing, a 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, where Luka Doncic delivered a standout performance. Conversely, the Phoenix Suns are looking to bounce back from a tough 112-130 loss to the Denver Nuggets. In that game, Devin Booker led his team with 24 points, supported by Dillon Brooks' 27-point effort.
The expected starting lineups reveal key strategic battles:
Los Angeles Lakers:
- PG: Luka Doncic
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: Rui Hachimura
- PF: Adou Thiero
- C: Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns:
- PG: Devin Booker
- SG: Grayson Allen
- SF: Dillon Brooks
- PF: Royce O'Neale
- C: Oso Ighodaro
Injury Report and Key Absences
The availability of star players significantly impacts this game's dynamics. The Lakers' injury report lists two major absences: Marcus Smart (back) and, more notably, LeBron James (foot). Both are confirmed out, as reported by team beat writers. This puts more responsibility on the shoulders of Doncic and Reaves.
For the Suns, the situation is also challenging. Isaiah Livers (hip) and Jalen Green (hamstring) are ruled out, with Green facing a longer reassessment timeline of four to six weeks. However, there is positive news regarding Ryan Dunn (wrist), who is expected to be available for Monday's clash against the Lakers.
Game Prediction and What to Expect
This early-season matchup pits two leading Pacific Division contenders against each other. The Lakers, riding a winning wave, aim to protect their home court and extend their positive run. The Suns, stung by a recent defeat, are desperate to regain winning form, adding an extra layer of intensity.
The Lakers will likely rely on the duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to establish an early advantage, especially with LeBron James sidelined. However, the Suns possess the firepower to disrupt the Lakers' plans. Devin Booker's leadership and scoring prowess, combined with Dillon Brooks' exceptional offensive form, give Phoenix a fighting chance to challenge the Lakers' rotation.
While the Lakers appear to have the overall edge in form and may be slight favourites, the Suns' potent scoring ability makes them a dangerous opponent. The final outcome may hinge on which team's role players step up to compensate for the missing stars. This exclusive Peacock stream is set to deliver a compelling chapter in the Lakers-Suns rivalry.
