The Los Angeles Lakers dropped a 113-104 decision to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, opening a rare preseason back-to-back at Crypto.com Arena.
The game marked Luka Doncic’s first appearance of the exhibition schedule. Head coach JJ Redick had held the guard out for load management following EuroBasket 2025, but the team cleared him for Tuesday’s contest. Doncic responded with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, shooting 7-for-15 from the field and 4-for-8 from deep before exiting for good late in the third quarter.
Austin Reaves continued his strong preseason form, matching Doncic with 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting. The guard added four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block while consistently beating Phoenix defenders to the rim and drawing contact.
Marcus Smart made his Lakers preseason debut, logging 20 minutes without a field-goal attempt as he eased back into action. Deandre Ayton contributed 10 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, two steals and three blocks.
For Phoenix, Jared Butler poured in a game-high 35 points, and former Laker Jordan Goodwin finished with 24 points and six assists.
The Lakers continue preseason play Wednesday in Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks and wrap up the schedule Friday at home versus the Sacramento Kings.
Source: Lakers Nation
