Suns Crush Shorthanded Lakers 103–81 in Preseason Opener/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Phoenix Suns dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 103–81 in their preseason opener Friday night in Palm Desert, California. LeBron James and Luka Dončić sat out for rest and recovery, leaving Austin Reaves to lead L.A. with 20 points. Rookie Bronny James scored eight but struggled from the field as Phoenix cruised behind Devin Booker’s 24 points.
“Lakers vs. Suns Preseason Quick Looks”
- Final Score: Suns 103, Lakers 81
- Top Performers: Devin Booker 24 pts; Austin Reaves 20 pts
- Notable Absences: LeBron James (nerve injury), Luka Dončić (rest)
- Bronny James: 8 pts, 5 FT, 1/7 from 3-point range
- Next Game: Lakers vs. Warriors, Sunday in San Francisco
Suns Crush Shorthanded Lakers 103–81 in Preseason Opener
Deep Look
PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers opened their preseason with a 103–81 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, a game that served as a tune-up for some and a showcase for others — but notably not for LeBron James or Luka Dončić, who both sat courtside in street clothes.
James, entering his record 23rd NBA season, continues a cautious return from a minor nerve issue, while Dončić is easing back into team activities following an intensive summer representing Slovenia in EuroBasket competition.
Both superstars watched from the bench as the Lakers’ younger roster and supporting cast struggled to find rhythm against a sharp, revamped Suns squad that built a 27-point third-quarter lead and never looked back.
“We’ll get both LeBron and Luka out there at some point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, who was making his debut on the sideline. “I’m hoping for at least one full preseason game where we can treat it like a dress rehearsal with the complete roster.”
Reaves Shines, Bronny Shows Promise
Austin Reaves carried the Lakers offensively, scoring 20 points with efficiency and confidence as he led a starting unit that included Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
Bronny James, playing in front of his father, LeBron, who watched intently from courtside, provided moments of energy but struggled with his shot. He finished with eight points, making just one of seven attempts from beyond the arc — a late third-quarter 3-pointer that drew cheers from the crowd at Acrisure Arena.
Bronny also showed flashes of composure in running the Lakers’ offense and hit five free throws in nearly 23 minutes of action.
“He’s learning,” Redick said postgame. “He’s adjusting to NBA speed and spacing. You can see the poise and confidence growing.”
Suns’ New Look Impresses
For Phoenix, Devin Booker picked up right where he left off, pouring in 24 points in just over 25 minutes. Dillon Brooks, acquired from Houston in the blockbuster Kevin Durant seven-team trade this offseason, added 10 points in his Suns debut.
Grayson Allen chipped in 13 points, showcasing Phoenix’s newfound depth under head coach Mike Budenholzer.
The Suns’ defense was particularly effective, holding the Lakers to just 36% shooting from the field and 26% from 3-point range while forcing 15 turnovers.
Lakers Still Finding Chemistry
Los Angeles used the game to experiment with different rotations. Redick started Ayton at center — in his first game against the Suns since his trade from Phoenix — but the big man finished with just one point on two field goal attempts in 18 minutes, though he grabbed eight rebounds.
Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt combined for 15 points, while Jake LaRavia made his Lakers debut with solid defensive energy but minimal offensive impact.
Despite the lopsided score, the Lakers are focused on preparation rather than results as they gear up for the regular season.
“We’re not chasing preseason wins,” Reaves said. “We’re chasing chemistry.”
Looking Ahead
The Lakers’ preseason continues Sunday against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco — a matchup that could mark the first on-court appearance for either LeBron or Dončić.
For the Suns, it was an encouraging start to their preseason journey toward championship contention, showing offensive rhythm and defensive cohesion early.
As for the younger James, the night in Palm Desert was a reminder that the NBA game is an adjustment — but also that his path is just beginning.
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