Lakers' Preseason Opener: Lessons from a Tough Loss

Setting the Scene

The Los Angeles Lakers' first preseason game of the 2025-26 season ended in disappointment, culminating in a 103-81 loss to the Phoenix Suns. With key players like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Marcus Smart watching from the sidelines, the performance raises questions about the team's readiness as they head into the regular season.

Key Takeaways from the Game

1. A Disturbing Offense

The Lakers' offense mirrored a team still in preseason mode, showcasing a dismal shooting percentage of just 31.1% from the field. Their three-point shooting was even more alarming, finishing 6-of-35 from beyond the arc and turning the ball over 22 times.

“We can't have those turnovers if we want to compete at a high level,” said a frustrated coach after the game.

Despite an encouraging 29 of 37 free throw performance, the lack of offensive flow was concerning. Last season, the Lakers thrived in fast-break scenarios, but they managed only six points in transition compared to Phoenix's 19.

2. Defensive Highlights from Deandre Ayton

Amid the offensive chaos, Deandre Ayton's impact on defense was notable. He recorded two blocks and displayed a solid hustle, contributing eight rebounds in just 18 minutes of play. His ability to help shore up the Lakers' rebounding, a weakness for the past few seasons, was indeed a silver lining in an otherwise underwhelming performance.

3. Austin Reaves Shines Against the Suns

In stark contrast to his teammates, Austin Reaves shone bright. Leading the team with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting and hitting all seven free throws, Reaves proved that he's in regular-season form even in these early games. As he prepares for a significant season where he'll likely opt for free agency, maintaining this level of play is crucial.

“If Reaves can keep this momentum, he'll be a key player for us,” said a teammate, acknowledging the vital role Reaves could play this season.

Moving Forward

The Lakers still have time—five more preseason games—to address these weaknesses. It's imperative they find solutions quickly, especially with the looming regular season. Key takeaways from Friday's game aren't just about the scores; they reveal a need for stronger teamwork, offensive cohesion, and individual excellence to prepare for a season filled with promise.

Fans will be watching closely as the team works to turn this early setback into a learning opportunity. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Lakers can overcome these early concerns or if they'll remain a team ripe for criticism.