The Los Angeles Lakers are back in action this Sunday night as they prepare for their preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert. This game will mark the preseason debuts of superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who both sat out the Lakers’ opening game—a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves—during head coach JJ Redick’s debut.
While Redick expressed some dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the team’s performance, it was their first game following just a few practices, so some rough edges were to be expected. The real test will be integrating James and Davis into the lineup, as Redick has hinted at utilizing Davis as the focal point of the offense while having James play more off the ball. Sunday’s game will provide the first glimpse of this strategy in action.
In the preseason opener, younger players like Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and Jalen Hood-Schifino demonstrated significant development, which the Lakers hope to build on. Consistency will be key for these young talents, and they will need to follow up their promising performances with more quality play against the Suns.
The Suns, similarly positioned with a roster of superstars, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and will be under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, making his debut with the team. Even with stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, this will be their first game together, implementing new systems and strategies. Lakers fans should be aware of Budenholzer’s defensive approach, which often leaves corner shooters open, suggesting that Redick’s squad might take plenty of three-point shots, a focal point during training camp.
While it’s uncertain how much time James, Davis, and other starters will see on the court, it would be beneficial for them to log at least a half of play to assess areas needing improvement before heading into next week’s practices.
Game Details:
- Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) vs. Phoenix Suns (0-0)
- Time: 6:30 p.m. PT, October 4, 2024
- Location: Acrisure Arena, Palm Springs, CA
- TV: Spectrum SportsNet
- Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA
Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:
- PG: D’Angelo Russell
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: LeBron James
- PF: Rui Hachimura
- C: Anthony Davis
Key Reserves: Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes, Dalton Knecht, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Bronny James
Projected Suns Starting Lineup:
- PG: Tyus Jones
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Bradley Beal
- PF: Kevin Durant
- C: Mason Plumlee
