LeBron James and Chris Paul are two all-time greats that continue to defy logic and time by performing at a high level well into their late 30s. The next chapter of the on-court rivalry between great friends comes when the Lakers travel to Phoenix on Monday.
As impressive as Paul was last season, this year has been a bit rockier for him, as injury has caused him to miss 14 of the Suns’ first 30 games. While Paul hasn’t quite found his scoring rhythm — he’s averaging a career-worst 11.1 points on 38.8 percent shooting from the field — he’s still making plays at a high rate, averaging 9.0 assists per contest. Despite Paul’s struggles, the Suns are still 18-12 thanks in large part to the play of Devin Booker, who’s coming off of a 58-point performance in his last outing.
While James has also missed time due to injury, he’s definitely in rhythm during his 20th season. Over 22 games, James is averaging 27.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, but the Lakers are 13-16 and Anthony Davis is set to miss around a month with an injury. James will be put to the test as the Lakers have a tough road ahead without their All-Star big man.
MORE: The latest news about Anthony Davis’ injury
Monday’s meeting marks the 31st time that James and Paul will meet in the regular season, and the first time in nearly a year, as they last shared the floor on Dec. 21 of last year. Fittingly, the one-on-one match is split evenly as James-led teams are 15-15 against teams featuring Paul.
In addition to in-season momentum, there will be minor bragging rights on the line as the all-time series will sway back in either James or Paul’s direction. The Sporting News has you covered with all you need to tune into Lakers vs. Suns on Monday night.
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What channel is Lakers vs. Suns on?
- TV channel (national): NBA TV
- TV channel (Los Angeles): Spectrum SportsNet
- TV channel (Phoenix): Bally Sports Arizona
- Live stream: NBA League Pass | Sling TV
In addition to regional broadcasts, Lakers vs. Suns will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV.
Those without a cable subscription can stream Lakers vs. Suns with Sling TV or through NBA League Pass, which also includes NBA TV in its subscription. Monthly NBA League Pass subscriptions begin at $14.99 monthly, while an annual subscription to NBA League Pass begins at $69.99.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange for $40/month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $51/month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Lakers vs. Suns start time
- Date: Monday, Dec. 19
- Time: 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT
Lakers vs. Suns from the Footprint Center is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 19, which is 7 p.m. local time in Phoenix.
Lakers schedule 2022-23
Here are LA’s next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Dec. 19 | at Suns | 9 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Dec. 21 | at Kings | 10 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 23 | vs. Hornets | 10:30 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 25 | at Mavericks | 2:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN |
| Dec. 27 | at Magic | 7 p.m. | — |
Suns schedule 2022-23
Here are Phoenix’s next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Dec. 19 | vs. Lakers | 9 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Dec. 20 | vs. Wizards | 9 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 23 | vs. Grizzlies | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Dec. 25 | at Nuggets | 10:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN |
| Dec. 27 | at Grizzlies | 8 p.m. | — |