Preseason games are often dismissed as mere warm-ups, but last night’s matchup between the Lakers and the Suns proved that even exhibition games can deliver jaw-dropping moments and fierce competition. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves stole the show, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Lakers from falling to the Suns, 113-104, marking their third preseason loss. Yet, this game was about more than the final score—it was a glimpse into the future of two rising stars and a reminder that chemistry takes time to build. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Lakers afford to rely so heavily on just two players, even if they’re as talented as Luka and Reaves? Let’s dive in.
Despite missing several key rotation players, the Lakers initially dominated the game with Luka and Reaves leading the charge. Luka, in his preseason debut, showcased why he’s considered one of the league’s brightest talents, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in just 22 minutes. Reaves wasn’t far behind, matching Luka’s 25 points while adding four rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes. Together, they kept the Lakers in control—until the second half, when the Suns staged a remarkable comeback after trailing by as many as 15 points. And this is the part most people miss: The Lakers’ turnovers (13 in total) handed the Suns the momentum they needed to turn the tide.
Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton was a force on the court, contributing 10 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart had a surprisingly quiet debut, failing to attempt a single shot in 20 minutes. Former Laker Jordan Goodwin, however, had a night to remember, dropping 24 points, six assists, four rebounds, and a steal in what felt like a personal vendetta against his old team. The Suns, notably without Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green, still found a way to grind out the win.
The game started with Goodwin’s layup, followed by Luka missing his first shot but quickly redeeming himself with a three-point play. Jared Butler kept the Suns afloat early, scoring seven of their first nine points, while Reaves and Jake LaRavia’s 3-pointer gave the Lakers an early seven-point lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Lakers were up by seven, thanks in part to Luka’s lob to Ayton for a thunderous dunk and Bronny James’s 3-pointer.
The second quarter belonged to Luka and Reaves, who combined for an astonishing 40 points by halftime. Reaves opened the quarter with a driving dunk, and Luka took over midway through, setting up Nick Smith Jr. for two 3-pointers and raining down threes of his own. His step-back jumper from beyond the arc capped off a 22-point first half that left fans in awe. At halftime, the Lakers led by 10, and all signs pointed to a blowout—until they didn’t.
The third quarter was a disaster for the Lakers, as the Suns unleashed a 22-7 run fueled by the Lakers’ sloppy play. Goodwin’s four-point play was the dagger, and by the end of the quarter, Phoenix had outscored LA 33-16, taking a six-point lead into the final frame. The Lakers fought back, with R.J. Davis and Nate Williams making key plays, but Butler’s 33-point explosion and the Suns’ clutch 3-pointers sealed the deal.
Key Takeaways:
1. Turnovers are the silent killer—the Lakers’ 13 giveaways were a major factor in their collapse. As one fan put it, “You can’t win games by giving the ball away.” Do you agree, or is this an overreaction for a preseason game?
2. The Luka-Ayton connection is just getting started. Their chemistry was evident, and with more time together, they could become an unstoppable duo. But is Ayton the right long-term fit for Luka’s playstyle?
3. Bronny James is showing flashes of potential. His aggressiveness in attacking the paint is a good sign, but can he consistently contribute at the NBA level?
Former Laker Jordan Goodwin’s revenge game was a highlight, but it also raises questions: Are the Lakers missing something by letting players like him go? And while the Suns’ win was impressive, it’s worth noting they did it without their star-studded lineup. Does this make their victory more impressive, or does it highlight the Lakers’ inability to close out games?
What’s your take? Are the Lakers’ preseason struggles a cause for concern, or just growing pains? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians for more insights like this.
