The LA Lakers faced an ignominious defeat in the fifth game of the series as they were mauled by the Phoenix Suns by a massive margin of 115-85. The defending champions were never in the contest as the Suns were too good for them.

The Lakers clearly missed the services of Anthony Davis, who was ruled out with a groin injury in the fourth game. The onus was on LeBron James to step up his game but the Akron Hammer could only score 24 points and his efforts went in vain.

The Lakers looked off colour throughout the game and the Suns were able to dominate the defending champions right from the get go.

Former Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal was not at all impressed with the team’s paltry performance and stated that they played with no heart and pride. O’Neal feels there was no extra effort put in by the Lakers despite knowing the fact that they were without Anthony Davis.

Shaq said on the episode of Inside the NBA, “They played soft, they played with no heart, and played with no pride, and they played with no sense of urgency. LeBron had 24 points, and you had two starters that had zero.

“When one guy goes down, the next man gotta step up. You have got to step up,” said Shaq.

The LA Lakers will need to turn the tables in the next two matches as it is going to be a do or die situation. Suns have taken a 3-2 lead and the next match will be a must-win for the Lakers.

It is not going to be easy for the Lakers as they are likely to be without the services of Anthony Davis. Thus, James will need to carry the team on his shoulders. The sixth will take place on Thursday.