Suns — A classic NBA rivalry

The relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns is one of the best in NBA history. The games against the Lakers have had scorching playoff battles, legends playing at a high level and all-time moments.

A Historical Rivalry

Lakers–Suns: The rivalry with the Lakers also originated in the 1970’s once Phoenix became a Western Conference powerhouse. By the time of Bird’s 1979 arrival, a rivalry between two NBS franchises had been established that would soon become one of greatest rivalries in league history — budding from lesser well-known players such as Magic Johnson and their future Hall Of Famers including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to emerging All-Stars like Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson.

Key Moments and Players

1 of 30 The 1993 Western Conference Finals: This series was a barn burner, with the Suns, led by Charles Barkley stunning the world and sweeping away four-straight games from LA.

2006 Western Conference Semifinals: In a seven-game classic, the Suns completed one of two breathtaking comebacks from 3-1 down in just round when Steve Nash & Co. rallied to knock off the Lakers.

In 2018, LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and a new era was born. In recent years, the Lakers and Suns have played in a highly contested series multiple times, delivering exciting playoff games.

The Modern Rivalry

The Lakers and Suns have hated one another for many years now. With the addition of Devin Booker and Chris Paul to this Suns team, that rivalry feel has been further justified as these are a couple of new generation stars to keep pushing things forward.

The Lakers versus Suns rivalry speaks to the timelessness of basketball. Both teams have hundreds of years worth experience and decades-long rivalry – one that should continue to captivate audiences for the gestation into adulthood.