Securing their first victory of the season with a 122-119 win against the Suns, the Lakers saw the return of Anthony Davis after a one-game absence, significantly contributing to their success. This win places the Lakers in contention to win Group A, with three more games to play in the tournament.

 

In an effort to bolster the Lakers’ lineup, Darvin Ham made a strategic move by inserting Cam Reddish in place of Austin Reaves. The change appeared promising from the start, as Reddish not only stole the ball but also made a crucial corner 3-pointer, helping the Lakers establish an early lead of 13-7.

 

Despite a slow start, Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns showcased an impressive performance in his second game back before sustaining a back injury. The Suns stayed competitive, and Kevin Durant’s three-point play halted the Lakers’ initial lead.

 

The Lakers faced challenges maintaining their energy and scoring prowess, allowing the Suns to build a ten-point lead for the first time. LeBron James briefly appeared to suffer a leg injury, contributing to the Lakers trailing 34-25 at the start of the second quarter.

Upon James’ return, both he and Austin Reaves orchestrated remarkable plays, leading to a tied game. However, the Suns’ prowess in offensive rebounds posed a continuous challenge, enabling them to maintain a lead of 10 points or more.

 

As the first half progressed, only Taurean Prince and D’Angelo Russell managed to score for the Lakers, with James stepping up his offensive efforts toward the end of the second quarter. Despite Beal’s buzzer-beater, the Lakers found themselves trailing 63-55 at halftime.

 

The third quarter saw Anthony Davis making quick contributions after a quiet first half, and LeBron James initiated a comeback by scoring two free throws. Despite James’ efforts, the Suns, led by Jusuf Nurkic, managed to keep their lead.

LeBron James continued his scoring spree in the third quarter, supported by strong plays from Russell. Although the Lakers showed signs of progress, Durant’s consecutive threes and a three-point play extended Phoenix’s lead to 96-79 by the end of the quarter.