In a preseason matchup that felt more like a proving ground than a casual tune-up, the Los Angeles Lakers scraped out a 112-108 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. The game, played under the glaring lights of early October expectations, highlighted ongoing questions about young talent and veteran grit in the NBA's Western Conference. Bronny James, the Lakers' rookie guard and son of LeBron, logged 18 minutes but struggled mightily with his shot, finishing with just 4 points on 1-of-7 shooting, including a dismal 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. His three rebounds and a steal showed flashes of defensive hustle, yet the inefficiency underscored the steep learning curve he's navigating just a year after his USC days.
Across the court, Dillon Brooks brought his trademark intensity for the Suns, scoring 15 points on efficient 6-of-11 shooting while adding four assists and three blocks. Brooks, ever the agitator, drew a technical foul late in the third quarter after jawing with Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, a moment that injected some fire into an otherwise choppy affair. The Suns' offense, led by Devin Booker's 22 points, faltered in the clutch, missing key free throws down the stretch. Indeed, Phoenix's bench depth looked solid, but their perimeter defense—particularly against the Lakers' pick-and-roll plays—left gaps that Anthony Davis exploited for 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers' win wasn't pretty; turnovers plagued both sides, with Los Angeles coughing up 14 to Phoenix's 12. LeBron James, in limited action, tallied 16 points and five assists, his presence alone seeming to steady the ship. However, the real storyline simmered around Bronny's performance. Coach JJ Redick pulled him early in the fourth, opting for more seasoned guards like Gabe Vincent, who chipped in 12 points off the pine. Moreover, Brooks' physicality tested the Lakers' resolve, a preview of the rivalries that could define their season.
Yet as the preseason dust settles, one wonders if these early stumbles for talents like Bronny will forge resilience or expose deeper roster flaws in the months ahead.