While the Lakers will miss Vanderbilt for today vs. the Suns, what to expect

With 24 games left in the season for the Los Angeles Lakers, today is a golden opportunity as they will be facing the number 8th seed in the West while they stand in the 9th seed.

One of the most important keys for today's game to be looking out for is how the new Lakers starting lineup will be faring against its toughest opponent yet with the end of the regular season quickly approaching.

With mostly offensive players, how the Lakers will contain Devin Booker and Kevin Durant will be important to see. Players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Christian Wood will be out. While Cam Reddish is also possible for not being available.

Jarred Vanderbilt has been key for the Lakers in the past, but now that they don't have him available and have mostly offensive players, the team needs to stop the two Suns superstars. The only good news is that Bradley Beal won't be playing.

The Lakers are currently sitting 9th in the NBA Western Conference Standings

58 games in the season, with 24 remaining for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team currently stands in the 9th seed in the Western Conference with a 31-27 record, .534. Today they have the opportunity to face and get a win over the 8th seed in the West, the Phoenix Suns, in a must-win contest for their current aspirations.