Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Preview
At long last, the Lakers have started their season with a bang. After a dreadful 0-7 opening night record since 2017, the Lakers broke the streak with a 110-103 win vs the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Anthony Davis led the way with a dominant 36/16/4 showing that included three blocks, while LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves all delivered good offensive performances.
Perhaps most importantly, the team looked noticeably better coached under JJ Redick. While it was just one game, the early returns compared to Darvin Ham may be a sign of great things to come this season.
LA will now turn their attention to a home matchup against the Phoenix Suns, who just won a nail-biter in overtime against the Clippers.
THE LAKERS PLAY BASKETBALL TONIGHT 😈🍿
Tonight is the first game of a back-to-back in LA… let’s start the weekend off right 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ntPmvg7XvF
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) October 25, 2024
Lakers Lineup and Rotation
The Lakers will run the same starting five: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
Against Minnesota, the biggest contributors off the bench were Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and Max Christie, who each played 11+ minutes. Bronny James also recorded three minutes, making history playing with his father, LeBron.
With Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood both being ruled out and Jalen Hood-Schifino questionable with an illness, the 9-man rotation is expected to stay the same – with the exception of Bronny’s minutes. The Lakers will have Cam Reddish and Maxwell Lewis available as reserves in case of injury.
New Area to focus on
Despite the opening night win, the Lakers were sloppy from beyond the arc, which must be cleaned up moving forward.
The Purple and Gold shot just 17% from three against Minnesota, including abysmal 1-7 and 0-5 showings from downtown for Russell and Reaves.
The Lakers will look to improve this against the Suns, who held James Harden and the Clippers to just 28% from three on Wednesday.
The Opponent
Despite a disappointing finish last season, the Phoenix Suns still boast a tandem of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, making them a tough matchup for any opponent. Jusuf Nurkic is also a reliable option at center who can put up a double-double any night.
Furthermore, free agent signing Tyus Jones proved to be a difference-maker against the Clippers, posting 11 points and eight assists with two steals. Compared to last season, the Suns now have a true point guard who can be a plus ball handler while providing playmaking opportunities for their stars.
However, the Suns were sloppy in the turnover battle, with 22 total giveaways. This was the biggest difference for the Lakeshow against Minnesota, who won the turnover battle by +8.
If the Lakers can defend the Suns’ perimeter scoring and continue to force turnovers, then they will have a good chance to start the season 2-0.
