The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from their season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors by defeating the Phoenix Suns 118-105 on Thursday night. The Suns, who were without their star guards Bradley Beal and Devin Booker due to injuries, struggled to keep up with the Lakers’ balanced attack.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead the way for the Lakers
LeBron James and Anthony Davis were the main catalysts for the Lakers, who improved to 1-1 on the season. James scored 31 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out six assists, while Davis added 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks. The duo combined for 19 points in the fourth quarter, as the Lakers pulled away from the Suns.
James and Davis also got plenty of help from their teammates, as six other Lakers scored in double figures. Russell Westbrook, who had a rough debut with the Lakers on Tuesday, bounced back with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Carmelo Anthony came off the bench to score 16 points, including four three-pointers. Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo also contributed to the Lakers’ offense.
Suns miss Bradley Beal and Devin Booker’s scoring punch
The Suns, who won their season opener against the Warriors on Tuesday, were dealt a blow when they learned that both Bradley Beal and Devin Booker would miss Thursday’s game against the Lakers. Beal has yet to play this season due to lower back soreness, while Booker was ruled out with left foot soreness.
Beal and Booker are the Suns’ top two scorers, averaging a combined 51.6 points per game last season. Without them, the Suns had trouble generating offense against the Lakers’ defense. The Suns shot only 41.9% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc, while committing 18 turnovers.
The Suns were led by Chris Paul, who had 19 points and eight assists. Deandre Ayton had a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Jae Crowder added 17 points. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively. However, the Suns did not have enough firepower to match the Lakers’ depth and star power.
Lakers and Suns will meet again in January
The Lakers and the Suns are expected to be among the top contenders in the Western Conference this season. The two teams met in the first round of the playoffs last season, with the Suns prevailing in six games. The Lakers will have a chance to avenge that loss when they face the Suns again on January 9 at Staples Center.
The Suns will hope to have Beal and Booker back by then, as they are key pieces of their championship aspirations. The Suns reached the NBA Finals last season for the first time since 1993, but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. The Suns will try to build on that success and win their first title in franchise history.
The Lakers, meanwhile, will look to continue their momentum and integrate their new additions. The Lakers made several moves in the offseason, acquiring Westbrook, Anthony, Monk, Bazemore, Howard, Rondo, Kendrick Nunn, Trevor Ariza, and Wayne Ellington. The Lakers are aiming for their 18th championship banner and their second title in three years.
