Devin Booker left the Lakers game with a groin injury

On Monday evening, The Phoenix Suns faced the Los Angeles Lakers in a clash between two divisional rivals. The Suns have been better than expected this year, entering this contest against the Lakers with a 12-9 record, but look to take advantage of the schedule as they line up against a team on the second night of back-to-back games.

However, the Suns have their own injury problems to contend with. Devin Bookerafter playing just 10 minutes in the evening, it will missed the rest of the game after suffering a groin injury, according to the Suns as announced during the Peacock’s live coverage of the game.

Booker had 10 points, two rebounds and three assists on 4-7 shooting from the field before his exit. in his absence, Dillon Brooks is expected to continue to take over scoring duties of the first option.

At halftime, the Suns lead the Lakers 66-52 behind an impressive first half from Brooks. Brooks had 23 points on 11-16 shooting from the field, and he will continue to be the go-to guy for his team as they await updates on Booker’s status moving forward.

The Suns were already without Grayson Allen that night, so losing Booker deals another blow to their backcourt. Colin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin will be tasked with handling the ball while Booker is out.

Booker has yet to miss a game this season for the Suns, and with him not ready to return against the Lakers, there’s a chance he’ll miss his first contest of the season on Friday when they take on the Houston Rockets.

Can the shorthanded Suns hold up against the Lakers?

The Suns certainly took advantage of having fresher legs against a tired Lakers team. In the first half, they turned up the intensity on defense, forcing 12 Lakers turnovers, which they converted into 17 points.

This frenetic defense of the Suns especially bothered Luka Dončić. Although he has 27 points to lead all scorers so far, his six turnovers have been deadly for the Lakers.

Unfortunately, without Booker, the Suns may find it difficult to contain a highly motivated Lakers team coming out of the half. But in the past they excelled despite being modestso they are definitely capable of it.