Lakers lose their preseason opener 103-81 to Suns

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, tries to get by Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Palm Desert, Calif.

GREG BEACHAM, PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — Austin Reaves scored 20 points and Bronny James added eight while the Los Angeles Lakers lost their preseason opener 103-81 to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night with LeBron James and Luka Doncic sitting out.

James is progressing deliberately in his return from a minor nerve injury to begin his record 23rd NBA season, while Doncic is also ramping up with caution after his busy summer playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket.

Both superstars watched from courtside while the rest of the Lakers lost to the new-look Suns, who jumped to a 27-point lead in the third quarter.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game that Doncic will play at some point in the preseason, and he is hopeful LeBron James also will get at least one preseason game. Redick wants one preseason game with what he called “a dress rehearsal” for the regular season with the Lakers’ full roster.

Bronny James hit a 3-pointer late in the third quarter for his only field goal. He went 1 for 7 on 3-point attempts.

Devin Booker scored 24 points and Dillon Brooks added 10 in his first game for Phoenix, which acquired the veteran agitator from Houston in the seven-team trade of Kevin Durant in July.

The Lakers opened their preseason in the same Coachella Valley arena where Bronny James first played alongside his famous father in Los Angeles› two preseason games here one year ago. MDT/AP