Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Gameday > Recap: Austin Reaves Shines But Lakers Drop Preseason Opener To Suns
Gameday

Recap: Austin Reaves Shines But Lakers Drop Preseason Opener To Suns

Daniel Starkand
Published: 10/03/2025
4 Min Read
Austin Reaves, Lakers, Suns
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after hitting a three point basket in the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena on October 03, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
SHARE

The NBA offseason has come and gone as the Los Angeles Lakers returned to the court for some preseason action against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs on Friday night.

The Lakers were missing some key players, including LeBron James and Marcus Smart, and the Suns took advantage by running away with an easy 103-81 victory.

With his co-stars out, Austin Reaves was the Lakers’ lead guard and kicked off the scoring with a triple, although Grayson Allen responded with one of his own for the Suns.

Reaves had the first five points of the game for L.A. and then Rui Hachimura had the next four to give his team an early lead. That was short-lived, however, as Allen ripped off five straight points to force JJ Redick to call a timeout.

Redick said before the game that players would play in 4-6 minute bursts and he stuck true to that as Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and Jaxson Hayes were among the early subs.

The Lakers were playing sloppy early, as could be expected in the preseason. They were missing free throws and committing costly turnovers, resulting in the Suns leading 31-16 at the end of the first quarter. Reaves (9) and Hachimura (4) had 13 of L.A.’s 16 points.

Reaves picked up where he left off to begin the second, attacking the basket at will. Jake LaRavia’s first bucket as a Laker was a corner triple to get the deficit back to single digits.

The Lakers actually got within three after a 3-pointer by Hachimura, but the Suns ended the first half on another run to build their lead back up to double digits at 57-44.

Phoenix scored six straight points to begin the second half, forcing another timeout by Redick. Things started to get ugly from there as the Lakers couldn’t buy a bucket. Devin Booker heated up from deep to extend the Suns lead to 70-47.

At that point, Redick began to pull his starters and give some other players a look to finish out the game. In 21 minutes of action, Reaves led the way with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting with three rebounds and two assists.

The Lakers went into the fourth quarter trailing 87-64, although preseason is more about reps and showing the coaching staff what you are capable of.

In this one, it was RJ Davis that made the most of his opportunity with some impressive fourth quarter play to finish out the night.

What’s next for the Lakers

The Lakers will now hit the road for a preseason matchup with the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. PT.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Austin ReavesLos Angeles LakersPhoenix Suns
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as the managing editor for LakersNation.com, Daniel also serves as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?