Opponent--Phoenix Suns.Site--America West Arena, Phoenix.Time--3 p.m.TV--Channel 4.Radio--KLAC...

Opponent--Phoenix Suns.

Site--America West Arena, Phoenix.

Time--3 p.m.

TV--Channel 4.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 19-9, Suns 8-18.

Record vs. Suns--2-0.

Laker update--This figures to be the first of many Christmas games for the Lakers since NBC will probably want Shaquille O’Neal, a marquee team and a major market most years for the season debut. The two victories over the Suns have come by 14 points each, but this is not the same Phoenix team. Corie Blount, bothered by lower-back spasms, practiced Tuesday and reported feeling better, so he should be available today.

Sun update--They are 8-10 since Danny Ainge replaced Cotton Fitzsimmons as coach. After the first four games of the Ainge era were understandable losses to the Lakers, Bulls, Rockets and Heat, the Suns went 8-6, including victories over the Jazz and Pacers, and a six-game home winning streak, snapped Monday by the Nuggets.