Despite the efficient shooting from Austin Reaves and RJ Davis, the Lakers overall suffered from a poor shooting night to open the preseason.
Lakers basketball is back, and they returned to action on Friday against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert to kick off the 2025-2026 NBA season. While some notable names were absent, we got to see our first look at this year’s squad.
Devin Booker led the way for Phoenix, posting 24 points, 7 assists and 8-19 shooting in 25 minutes. For L.A., Austin Reaves led the charge with 20 points and 3 rebounds on 6-11 shooting from the field and 7-7 from the free throw line.
The other bright spot for the Lakers was RJ Davis, putting on quite an impressive performance late in the game. He put up 14 points on 5-8 shooting in 18 minutes.
Lakers vs Suns Team Stats
The Suns outmatched the Lakers in almost every statistical team category. The Lakers accumulated a total of 22 turnovers to Phoenix’s 16. L.A. shot just 31% from the field, 17% from three and lost the assist battle 29 to 10.
Though L.A. did lead the game in blocks with a total of 7 thanks to Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes. While Ayton only took 2 shots, his 8 rebounds and 2 blocks in 18 minutes were a welcome sight. Ayton in the postgame interview talked about his mindset and impact on the game:
“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end more than the offense in a way. Like I said from the get-go, I’m not really here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do. And the main objective is really protecting that rim and closing out our possessions. And I had fun, man.”
The Lakers will head to Chase Center to face off against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. PT and look to bounce back with a win in game 2 of the preseason.
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