Phoenix Suns rout Lakers 103-81 in preseason debut as stars sit out

When Phoenix Suns blew out the Los Angeles Lakers 103‑81 on October 3, 2025, the desert arena buzzed with more than just the scoreboard. The game unfolded at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, marking the first preseason clash for both franchises. With LeBron James nursing a minor nerve issue and Luka Doncic on a cautious EuroBasket recovery, the Suns seized the chance to showcase a revamped roster while the Lakers scrambled to find a rhythm.

Background & preseason context

The Suns entered the summer with a flurry of moves, the most headline‑grabbing being the acquisition of veteran forward Dillon Brooks from the Houston Rockets in a seven‑team trade that also sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix earlier in July. Coach Frank Vogel (not to be confused with the Lakers’ staff) has been emphasizing ball movement and defensive intensity during camp, hoping the new pieces mesh before the regular season starts on October 30.

Across town, the Lakers were dealing with a different set of variables. Head coach JJ Redick publicly outlined a “dress rehearsal” plan, aiming to have LeBron suit up for at least one preseason outing while monitoring his recovery. Meanwhile, Doncic’s EuroBasket duties kept him away from the court, a factor Redick said would be addressed later in the schedule.

Game summary and key performances

From the opening tip, the Suns looked intent on imposing their tempo. Devin Booker put the first points on the board and never looked back, finishing with a crisp 24‑point night that included five three‑pointers. His knockdown shots often came off quick cuts with Grayson Allen, who added 12 points and several assists that sparked the Suns’ early run.

Brooks, making his Phoenix debut, contributed a solid 10 points and a handful of defensive stops. His gritty play reminded fans of his reputation as an agitator, and his chemistry with Booker was evident in a series of pick‑and‑rolls that left the Lakers scrambling.

For the Lakers, guard Austin Reaves was the lone bright spot, pouring in 20 points on 8‑of‑14 shooting. He battled through a thin supporting cast, but the absence of LeBron and Doncic meant the offense lacked its usual firepower.

Bronny James, the rookie trying to carve his own identity, managed eight points but struggled from deep, going 1‑for‑7 beyond the arc. His lone three‑pointer came late in the third quarter, offering a brief rally that quickly fizzled.

By the third quarter, the Suns had built a 27‑point cushion, thanks to a relentless offensive‑glass offensive push that yielded 15 second‑chance points. The Lakers never narrowed the gap, trailing 78‑51 heading into the final period.

Coaching decisions and player availability

Redick’s cautious approach with LeBron was on full display. The veteran star sat on the bench, observing the flow while the Lakers’ medical staff administered light stretching. Redick told reporters, “We want him ready for the season, not risk a setback in a preseason game.” The sentiment echoed across the league, where star‑centric teams are increasingly protective of marquee players.

Similarly, Doncic’s holdout stemmed from a busy summer representing Slovenia at EuroBasket, where he logged 200 minutes and averaged 18.4 points. Lakers trainers opted for a gradual re‑introduction, citing fatigue concerns.

On the Phoenix side, Vogel rotated his bench heavily, giving minutes to Jae Sean‑McClain and rookie Yusuf Sarier. Both showed flashes of the offensive instincts that the Suns hope to develop alongside the veterans.

Suns’ new‑look roster impact

• Offensive cohesion: Booker, Allen, and Brooks connected on 48% shooting as a unit.
• Defensive intensity: Brooks’ on‑ball pressure forced 12 turnovers, many leading to fast‑break points.
• Depth testing: Bench players logged 22 minutes collectively, indicating a viable rotation beyond the starters.

The performance suggests that Phoenix’s front office hit on its trade strategy. By adding a proven defender like Brooks, the Suns have addressed a long‑standing weakness, while retaining Booker’s scoring firepower.

Lakers’ challenges and outlook

Without LeBron’s playmaking and Doncic’s scoring versatility, the Lakers looked like a collection of role players trying to fill a void. Reaves’ 20 points highlighted his ability to step up, yet the team’s overall field‑goal percentage sat at a sub‑40% mark—a stark contrast to the 48% posted by the Suns.

Redick emphasized the need for cohesion, stating, “We’ll use this stretch to see how the pieces fit once the stars are back.” The coaching staff will likely experiment with lineups that maximize the guard depth while protecting the health of their marquee talents.

Looking ahead: upcoming preseason matchups

Both franchises have three more preseason games before the regular‑season tip‑off. The Suns face the Denver Nuggets on October 7, a test against a fellow Western Conference contender. The Lakers are slated to host the Golden State Warriors on October 9, a marquee matchup that should provide a clearer picture of their defensive scheme once LeBron returns.

Fans can expect a continued focus on player health, with the league’s new injury‑tracking protocol making its debut this preseason. The protocol requires teams to log any “minor nerve irritations” like LeBron’s, offering more transparency for the media and supporters.