PALM DESERT, Calif. — Austin Reaves scored 20 factors and Bronny James added eight whereas the Los Angeles Lakers misplaced their pre-season opener 103-81 to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night time with LeBron James and Luka Doncic sitting out.
James is progressing intentionally in his return from a minor nerve harm to start his report twenty third NBA season, whereas Doncic can also be ramping up with warning after his busy summer season taking part in for Slovenia at EuroBasket.
Each superstars watched from courtside whereas the remainder of the Lakers misplaced to the new-look Suns, who jumped to a 27-point lead within the third quarter.
Lakers coach JJ Redick stated earlier than the sport that Doncic will play sooner or later within the pre-season, and he’s hopeful LeBron James additionally will get at the very least one pre-season recreation. Redick needs one pre-season recreation with what he known as “a costume rehearsal” for the common season with the Lakers’ full roster.
Bronny James hit a three-pointer late within the third quarter for his solely area objective. He went one-for-seven on three-point makes an attempt.
Devin Booker scored 24 factors and Dillon Brooks added 10 in his first recreation for Phoenix, which acquired the veteran agitator from Houston within the seven-team commerce of Kevin Durant in July.
The Lakers opened their pre-season in the identical Coachella Valley area the place Bronny James first performed alongside his well-known father in Los Angeles’ two pre-season video games right here one 12 months in the past.
With 40-year-old LeBron watching from courtside this time, Bronny was within the Lakers’ first substitution group, and he performed almost 23 minutes. Bronny, who turns 21 years outdated on Monday, did not make a shot within the first half and infrequently bought beat on protection, however he hit 5 free throws and labored to run the Lakers’ offense.
Reaves led the Lakers’ starters, which included newcomers Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia with Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. Ayton had eight rebounds and only one level whereas taking solely two photographs in 18 minutes.
Grayson Allen added 13 factors for Phoenix.
The Lakers’ pre-season continues Sunday towards the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
