Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Preview
The Lakers will begin their 5-game road trip tonight when they take on the Phoenix Suns for the second time in as many nights.
Los Angeles has started the season on a 3-game winning streak by taking down the Timberwolves, Suns, and Kings, formidable opponents in the Western Conference.
The Lakers have had no problem putting up points as they are averaging 121.3 per game, which is fourth in the league, and are shooting 49.6% from the field as a team, which is third best.
On the other hand, the team’s defense is ranked 20th in the league. If the Lakers can clean that up, then they will be a tough team to beat.
Lakers Hot Start
Anthony Davis has led the way for Los Angeles as he was named the Western Conference Player of the Week. He finished the first week of the season averaging 34 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per game.
JJ Redick wants Davis to be the focal point of the offense, and from the looks of that, starting the season with that plan has worked. On the newest episode of the Hoop Collective Podcast, Brian Windhorst said Redick wants the offense to be “more efficient” and feature “more Anthony Davis.”
Look for Davis to keep the hot streak going tonight, as he is currently leading the league in scoring.
The Lakers have started the season 3-0.
Under JJ Redick, they have a new and improved offensive approach that’s centered around Anthony Davis, and he’s responded with averages 34-11-3 on 67.3 TS%.
Along with the DPOY-caliber impact he’s provided, he’s playing like an MVP. pic.twitter.com/f0CoB6J0jQ
— ʜᴠ (@hoopvenue_) October 27, 2024
Lakers Key Players To Watch
LeBron James seems to keep defying the odds as he is into his 22nd season but is still producing triple-doubles.
He finished with 32 points and added 14 assists and 10 rebounds in the Lakers’ latest victory over the Kings on Saturday. He will always be a factor when he touches the ball, and it will be exciting to watch him play against Kevin Durant again.
Rui Hachimura has had a great start to the season. He has done a lot of the dirty work by grabbing offensive rebounds and getting second-chance points.
He has emphasized that the team mindset is a lot different than last season. Hachimura is averaging 16 points and seven rebounds while shooting 50% from three-point range.
The Opponents
Phoenix was defeated by the Lakers just a few days ago, and now they are playing at home. The Suns have a three-headed monster led by Durant, who has been a nightmare to defend since the beginning of his career.
Los Angeles needs to find ways to make their shot selection more difficult and crash to the rim for every rebound and loose ball. Jusuf Nurkic struggled last game against the Lakers, so look for him to bounce back.
The Suns are coming off a win over the Dallas Mavericks as Durant led the way in scoring, finishing with a team-high 31 points, and Nurkic finished with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Grayson Allen will also be back for the Suns tonight, as he is not on the injury report.
The Lakers have taken the NBA by surprise by starting 3-0, but the team feels hungry and has the right pieces to win. They will try to extend their winning streak to four games tonight on the road.
