The Los Angeles Lakers are diving into their 2024 preseason with high hopes, even though the results haven’t been quite what they were looking for—yet. Their second preseason game took place on a lively Sunday evening at Acrisure Arena in the Inland Empire. This location, already buzzing from their preseason debut just two days prior, set the stage for the Lakers to bounce back after a tough loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they fell 124-107. Facing off against the Phoenix Suns this time, the Lakers aimed to snag a win and work out some of their early-season kinks.
At first, things were looking good for Los Angeles. They built a comfortable lead by the end of the first quarter, stretching it to as many as 16 points. The crowd was electric, feeling like the Lakers were finally starting to click. But as the game wore on, the Suns began to heat up, and slowly but surely, they started chipping away at that lead. In the end, the Lakers fell short again, losing 118-114. Sure, they might now be 0-2 in the preseason, but this game wasn’t without its bright spots. Several players had standout performances that provided plenty of reasons for optimism as the team gears up for the regular season.
One of the biggest highlights was the return of Anthony Davis, who sat out Friday’s game but made a strong statement on Sunday. The Lakers’ superstar big man looked sharp right from the jump, scoring the team's first bucket on a smooth alley-oop dunk from Austin Reaves. Davis appeared to be in great shape, showing no signs of rust. He was efficient on offense, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and racking up 17 points. But his contribution didn’t stop there; Davis pulled down eight rebounds and dished out three assists, reminding everyone of his well-rounded game. He even showed some range by knocking down one of his three attempts from beyond the arc. Under the new leadership of head coach JJ Redick, Davis might be encouraged to take a few more 3-pointers this season, potentially adding a new dimension to his offensive repertoire.
LeBron James, like Davis, was also absent in the Lakers' first game but made his presence felt in this one. In just 16 minutes of play, LeBron went to work, shooting an impressive 8-of-12 from the floor and draining two of his three 3-point attempts. The result? A game-high 19 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. The King looked like he was already in midseason form, and the chemistry between him and his teammates seemed on point. But perhaps the most exciting moment came when LeBron’s son, Bronny James, stepped onto the court in the second quarter. For the first time, father and son shared the floor, a special moment that gave fans a glimpse of a potential future dynasty. It’s the kind of storyline that gets Lakers Nation buzzing and makes this preseason feel more exciting than most.
Rui Hachimura also had a solid outing, showing the kind of potential the Lakers will need from him throughout the regular season. In 22 minutes of play, Hachimura shot an efficient 6-of-8 from the field, including a 3-pointer, to finish with 13 points. He didn’t just score, though—he also contributed eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal. His versatility on both ends of the court will be key to the Lakers' success this season, especially if he can consistently bring this level of play. The flashes he showed on Sunday could be a preview of bigger things to come for Hachimura.
On the topic of frontcourt depth, the Lakers are a bit thin right now due to injuries. Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, two of their key reserves, are out and will remain sidelined for at least a few more weeks. This means Jaxson Hayes, a recent addition to the roster, has to step up. On Sunday, he logged 21 minutes off the bench and made his presence known. Hayes pulled down eight rebounds and added five points, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. While scoring isn’t his primary role, his ability to impact the game defensively and on the boards is exactly what the Lakers need from him during this stretch. Hayes showed that he’s ready to step into a larger role if needed, and his performance against the Suns is proof of that.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, who had a rough rookie campaign last year, also showed some signs of improvement. Playing 16 minutes, the young guard shot 4-of-7 from the field and added three rebounds and three assists. He also played a key role in the Lakers’ attempt to claw their way back into the game during crunch time, scoring three baskets and assisting on another in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter. It wasn’t enough to secure the win, but it was a good sign that Hood-Schifino may be turning the corner as he enters his second season. If he can build on this performance, he could provide valuable depth in the backcourt.
Now, while preseason games are often treated as warm-ups, this matchup against the Suns offered some crucial insights. The Lakers might not have gotten the W, but the individual performances of key players like Davis, LeBron, and Hachimura give fans plenty to look forward to. The chemistry between the core group seems to be building, and with some players still recovering from injuries, this time on the court is invaluable for role players like Hayes and Hood-Schifino to step up and prove their worth.
The excitement surrounding the Lakers this season isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about watching this team evolve, grow, and potentially gel into something special. With LeBron entering yet another season of his legendary career and the continued development of younger players like Hachimura and Hood-Schifino, there’s a lot of anticipation in the air. Add the storyline of LeBron and Bronny possibly playing together regularly, and the Lakers’ preseason suddenly feels like more than just a tune-up. It’s a glimpse into the future, filled with high expectations and tantalizing possibilities.
All in all, the Lakers may be winless in the preseason, but they're far from hopeless. There are plenty of reasons for optimism as the team looks ahead. The preseason is a time for working out the kinks, building chemistry, and preparing for the grind of the regular season. And from what we’ve seen so far, the Lakers are on the right track. The losses might sting, but the performances from key players are enough to make fans excited for what’s to come.
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