NBA Game of the Week: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers

This Friday night, two of the NBA’s most star-studded teams face off as the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, take on the Phoenix Suns, featuring their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

Both teams enter the season with new head coaches—J.J. Redick for the Lakers and Mike Budenholzer for the Suns. With each team already having one game and win under its belt, this matchup promises to be a close one.

Lakers recap:

The Lakers come into Friday’s game fresh off a 110-103 win over a revamped Minnesota Timberwolves. They started the game with intensity, taking a 13-point halftime lead, thanks to stifling defense and effective transition offense.

Though their shooting percentages weren’t impressive, the Lakers’ starters performed well, particularly Rui Hachimura, who finished the first half with 11 points and was crucial on both ends of the floor. Hachimura’s defense against both bigs and wings was impressive, and he ended the game with the team's highest plus-minus rating.

D'Angelo Russell, building on a strong season last year, continued his solid playmaking, including a highlight-reel lob to Jaxson Hayes. However, the Lakers’ bench production remains a concern.

Contributing just 19 points and shooting 1-for-7 from three-point range, the reserves will need to step up if Los Angeles hopes to maintain consistency throughout the season.

Relying too heavily on Davis, who posted a dominant 36-point, 16-rebound performance, could be risky, especially as LeBron enters his 22nd season. The Lakers' dismal 16.7% shooting from beyond the arc will also need improvement, especially against a team like the Suns.

Suns recap:

The Suns, meanwhile, came off a hard-fought win over the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime 116-113, a game that raised some eyebrows given the absence of Kawhi Leonard. Despite being outrebounded 51-42—a disappointing result for a team with Jusuf Nurkic, known for his rebounding prowess—the Suns managed to pull out the narrow victory.

The Clippers took 14 more shots than Phoenix, which could have spelled trouble, but the Suns’ sharp 40% shooting from three-point range and a timely 11-0 run, thanks to James Harden's late-game struggles, in the fourth quarter helped secure the win.

Despite the win, defensive concerns linger for Phoenix. Ivica Zubac scored 21 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter, and the Clippers consistently exploited the Suns' lapses on defense.

Kevin Durant struggled with turnovers throughout the game, particularly against the Clippers’ relentless defensive pressure, a potential problem as he faces Rui Hachimura’s physical defense on Friday.

On the positive side, newly acquired guard Tyus Jones looked comfortable facilitating for his superstar teammates, while Royce O’Neale provided a defensive spark, helping to create turnovers that led to crucial transition buckets.

What to expect in the Lakers-Suns matchup

The last time these two teams met, Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht put on a show with a 35-point performance, leading Los Angeles to an overtime win. Friday’s matchup is expected to be equally competitive. For the Lakers, coming out aggressively is key.

The Suns showed in their season opener that they struggle with physicality and can be turnover-prone under pressure. The Lakers, especially if they can capitalize on transition opportunities, could take control early.

For the Suns, ball movement will be critical. Their three-point shooting saved them in the Clippers game, and quick passes in their half-court sets could keep the Lakers' defense on its heels.

Given Phoenix’s struggles with rebounding, they may look to create chaos by relying on long rebounds and hustling back on defense to slow down the Lakers’ transition game.

Both teams are expected to be at full strength, setting the stage for another thrilling battle between two of the greatest players of this generation, James and Durant. The Lakers are 2.5-point favorites at home, but with both squads loaded with talent, it should be a must-watch game.

Alec Brown is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email aeb6680@psu.edu.