The Lakers and Suns Have Many Similarities. Which Team is Closer to a Title? (With Brendon Kleen)

One good way to learn about your team is to compare it to others, especially a franchise that shares many common points. For the Lakers, that team (in a lot of ways at least) is the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix, like the Lakers, is basically all-in on their roster, one dominated by top end stars and lacking in reliable depth. Both teams are up against the cap (though Phoenix, as a second apron team, has issues the Lakers don't). Both teams are using a model for success that feels like the rest of the league doesn't use anymore. Both teams lack a cupboard full of resources to make significant improvements. And both teams are simultaneously too good to tear it down and not quite good enough to be title favorites. Most pundits put the Suns above the Lakers in terms of preseason odds/projections, but the gap isn't huge. So the similarities aren't perfectly aligned. It's not totally apples to apples. But it's definitely not apples to chicken wings, either. How does ownership compare? Philosophy? Coaching? Where do these teams stack up in a crowded Western Conference? HOSTS: Brian Kamenetzky with Brendon Kleen SEGMENT 1: How the Suns and Lakers are similar... SEGMENT 2: Which team is better equipped to win a title? SEGMENT 3: How the teams stack up in the West. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com . Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuel FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.