PHOENIX — Luka Doncic’s first appearance in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform featured 25 points, yet the Phoenix Suns erased a halftime deficit and claimed a 113-104 preseason victory on Oct. 14 at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The third-year guard, acquired by Los Angeles in the offseason, went 7-for-15 from the field and added seven rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes. Marcus Smart also made his preseason debut for the Lakers, while LeBron James, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and several other regulars sat out.
Phoenix was likewise shorthanded, resting Devin Booker and most of its starters. The Suns relied on Jared Butler, who poured in a game-high 35 points across 33 minutes, and Jordan Goodwin, whose late buckets preserved the lead.
Fast Start for Los Angeles
Doncic missed his opening step-back three but followed with a driving three-point play to ignite an 11-9 Lakers edge. Deandre Ayton responded with early offense and defense for Phoenix, yet Los Angeles surged ahead with a 17-4 spurt fueled by transition opportunities. Doncic closed the first quarter with 10 points and two assists, giving the visitors a 29-22 advantage.
The Lakers maintained momentum in the second period behind back-to-back threes from Doncic and Austin Reaves. The backcourt duo combined for 40 first-half points—22 from Doncic and 18 from Reaves—and Los Angeles entered intermission ahead 66-56.
Suns Take Control After the Break
Los Angeles kept its starters on the floor to open the third quarter, and both Doncic and Reaves pushed their totals to 25 points before checking out for good. Phoenix stayed within striking distance, then capitalized on a defensive lapse to seize an 89-83 lead heading into the fourth.
Exhibit 10 and two-way players filled the closing minutes. Nick Smith Jr. and Nate Williams showed flashes for L.A., but Goodwin steadied the Suns while Butler’s hot hand closed out the contest.
Up Next
The Lakers travel to Las Vegas to meet the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, the second night of a back-to-back, before finishing the preseason Friday at home against the Sacramento Kings. Their regular-season opener is set for Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
Source: Lakers Nation
