Phoenix @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2019 ) L.A. Lakers 123, Phoenix 115

LeBron James is racking up the assists as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. James recorded 10 or more assists in four straight games and he became the ninth player in NBA history to reach 9,000 career assists during Sunday's 108-95 home triumph over the Dallas Mavericks.

James handed out 13 assists against Dallas to raise his career total to 9,000 and he has 50 against nine turnovers during the current four-game run. "My teammates and coaching staff trust me to play the point and run the show," James told reporters afterward. "It's my job to take care of the ball, put guys in position to be successful, get them the ball on time and on target." Phoenix has won consecutive games following an eight-game slide and Monday's 122-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers was impressive as the Suns trailed by 19 points after the first quarter before staging a comeback. Shooting guard Devin Booker made all 15 of his free-throw attempts while scoring 33 points and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. drained a career-best seven 3-pointers while scoring 29 points.

TIME: 10:30 p.m. ET. TV: FS Arizona, Spectrum SportsNet

ABOUT THE SUNS (13-20): Center Deandre Ayton (ankle) collected six points and 12 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench against Portland after missing the previous five games. Phoenix coach Monty Williams said Ayton was looking strong in workouts and when the big man reported how well he felt after the mid-day shootaround, the decision was made to play him against the Trail Blazers. "I thought he gave us juice," Williams said after the victory. "Guys had confidence in him to not only plug the middle, but just having that size and athleticism. We haven't had a hand above the rim in a long time."

ABOUT THE LAKERS (26-7): James is still slightly bothered by a groin injury but his pace of play on Sunday looked as if it were coming from somebody fully healthy. "His pace the last two nights has been outstanding, and not wanting to settle," Lakers coach Frank Vogel said after Sunday's win. "We have done a much better job of living in the paint the past couple games, making great decisions and being aggressive." James had just 13 points on 3-of-10 shooting against Dallas while big man Anthony Davis recorded 23 points and nine rebounds for his seventh straight 20-point effort.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Davis recorded 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Lakers posted a 123-115 road win over the Suns on Nov. 12.

2. Phoenix PG Ricky Rubio recorded 18 points and 13 assists against Portland for his 10th double-double of the season.

3. Los Angeles F Kyle Kuzma missed all seven shots while going scoreless against Dallas after averaging 21.7 points over the previous three games.

PREDICTION: Lakers 123, Suns 105