LA Lakers Suffer Defeat To Phoenix Suns In Preseason Opener As LeBron, Doncic Sit Out | Sports News

Phoenix Suns guard Jared Butler, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. defends during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Palm Desert, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The LA Lakers succumbed to a 81-103 defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns on Saturday in the preseason opener between the sides at the Acrisure Stadium as star players LeBron James and Luka Doncic sat the game out.

Austin Reaves scored 20 points to while Bronny James, LeBron’s son, added eight in their sides’ defeat even as LeBron opts for a careful approach in his return from a minor nerve injury to begin his record 23rd NBA season. Likewise, Doncic is easing back into action after a busy summer representing Slovenia at EuroBasket.

Both superstars watched from courtside as the rest of the Lakers faced the new-look Suns, who surged to a 27-point lead in the third quarter.

Lakers coach JJ Redick mentioned before the game that Doncic will participate at some point during the preseason, and he is hopeful that LeBron James will also play in at least one preseason game. Redick aims for a “dress rehearsal” for the regular season with the Lakers’ full roster.

Bronny James made a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, marking his only field goal. He went 1 for 7 on 3-point attempts.

Devin Booker scored 24 points, and Dillon Brooks added 10 in his first game for Phoenix, which acquired Brooks from Houston in the seven-team Kevin Durant trade in July.

The Lakers began their preseason in the same Coachella Valley arena where Bronny James first played alongside his famous father in two preseason games last year.

With 40-year-old LeBron watching from courtside, Bronny was in the Lakers’ first substitution group and played nearly 23 minutes. Bronny, who turns 21 on Monday, didn’t score in the first half and occasionally struggled on defence, but he made five free throws and worked to manage the Lakers’ offence.

Reaves led the Lakers’ starters, which included newcomers Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia alongside Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. Ayton grabbed eight rebounds but scored just one point, taking only two shots in 18 minutes.

Grayson Allen added 13 points for Phoenix.

The Lakers’ preseason continues Sunday against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.

Location :

United States of America (USA)

First Published:

October 04, 2025, 11:39 IST