The Los Angeles Lakers faced a challenging start to their 2025-26 preseason, losing their first game 103-81 to the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena. The Lakers were missing multiple key players, including superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic; James was missing due to a nerve irritation in his glute, and Doncic was resting after a summer of participating in EuroBasket for Slovenia. Their absence was felt throughout the game, as the Lakers failed to find rhythm and cohesion on both sides of the ball.

Austin Reaves emerged as one of the few bright spots for LA, scoring 20 points, including 18 in the first half, with three boards and 2 assists. Rui Hachimura contributed 11 points and 2 steals, while Bronny James provided some bench scoring with 8 points. Despite their efforts, however, the

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