The Los Angeles Lakers opened preseason with a 103-81 loss to the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, California’s Acrisure Arena on Friday.
L.A., which played this one without superstars Luka DonÄić (rest) and LeBron James (nerve irritation in the glute), guards Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy) and Gabe Vincent (knee) and forward Maxi Kleber (quad), fell behind 31-16 after the first quarter.
The Lakers never really recovered from there, with numerous players enduring rough shooting nights, including Bronny James, who made just 1-of-12 shots (1-of-8 from three). He did make 5-of-6 free throws en route to eight points, five rebounds and two assists.
Lakers center Deandre Ayton made his debut in purple and gold and struggled in 18 minutes, missing both of his shots, committing four turnovers and scoring just one point off a free throw. He did add eight rebounds and a pair of steals.
Jarred Vanderbilt also scored just one point in 21 minutes, missing all four of his shots. Dalton Knecht missed 2-of-10 shots en route to six points.
Overall, the Lakers shot just 31.1 percent from the field and 17.1 percent from three. L.A. was led by Austin Reaves (20 points) and R.J. Davis (14 points).
The defense also struggled in this one, and Lakers reporter Jovan Buha noted that’s a problem right now.
For the Suns, Devin Booker led the way with 24 points, while Grayson Allen added 13. Jalen Green, who was traded from the Houston Rockets in the Kevin Durant deal, sat this one out as he works his way back from a hamstring strain.
Overall, this was an ugly loss for the Lakers, but it’s only preseason after all, and L.A. didn’t have its full roster. Fans reacted to the performance.
The Lakers’ next preseason game is Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco’s Chase Center.
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