Lakers lose their preseason opener 103-81 to Suns

LeBron James and Luka Doncic were not there as the Los Angeles Lakers dropped their preseason opener to the Phoenix Suns 103-81 on Friday night, despite 20 points from Austin Reaves and eight from Bronny James. Doncic is likewise stepping up cautiously following his hectic summer playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket, while James is making a slow but steady recovery from a slight nerve ailment to start his record 23rd NBA season.

The Lakers succumbed to the new-look Suns, who took a 27-point lead in the third quarter, while both superstars watched from the courtside. Prior to the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that Doncic would play in the preseason at some point and expressed his desire that LeBron James would also play in at least one game. Redick wants the Lakers to play one preseason game with their entire roster as "a dress rehearsal" for the regular season.