A groin issue forced Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker to exit Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers prematurely.
Booker began Monday’s competition as usual, accumulating 11 points during the first quarter and aiding the Suns’ initial performance at Crypto.com Arena. However, with slightly over two minutes remaining in the quarter, Booker abruptly left the game and did not return.
It remains uncertain precisely when Booker sustained the injury, but the Suns promptly announced his absence due to a right groin ailment. Further specifics are currently unavailable. Head coach Jordon Ott mentioned post-game that he lacked additional details but anticipated obtaining more information on Tuesday.
Before his departure, Booker contributed three assists and two rebounds, alongside his 11 points. Prior to the game, he maintained season averages of 25.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, marking his 11th season in the league.
Interestingly, and perhaps coincidentally, this occurrence marks the third instance in the last four years where Booker has experienced a groin injury during December. He sat out 20 games in December 2022, followed by five games last season due to similar groin issues.
Despite Booker’s absence, the Suns encountered little difficulty securing a dominant 125-108 victory in Los Angeles. Dillon Brooks spearheaded the Suns with 33 points, while Collin Gillespie contributed 28 points, including eight 3-pointers, for Phoenix (13-9). They concluded the second quarter with a 19-4 surge and maintained the lead throughout the second half to ensure the win.
Luka Dončić led the Lakers (15-5) with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Austin Reaves added 16 points. LeBron James, participating in only his fifth game this season after recovering from a sciatica injury, scored 11 points and shot 3-of-10 from the field. His streak of consecutive double-digit scoring games was threatened in the fourth quarter, but he swiftly secured the necessary four points before permanently exiting the game.
The Suns are scheduled to face the Houston Rockets next on Friday.
