The Lakers are already in action for the 2024 preseason, and they made their debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves this past Friday. While the final score didn’t favor them—they lost 124-107—the game had its share of bright spots. Some of the younger players showed flashes of brilliance, especially Max Christie and Gabe Vincent, who both shot the ball pretty well. There’s also rookie Dalton Knecht, who showcased his all-around offensive skills. Although it was a tough loss, the preseason is all about finding your rhythm, and the Lakers have plenty of time to fine-tune their strategy.
Sunday’s game against the Suns marks their opponent’s first preseason contest of the year. The Suns have been a team surrounded by hype, especially after forming a powerhouse trio last season with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. Expectations were high for the Suns in 2023, with many experts predicting they’d reach the NBA Finals. However, their regular season ended with just 49 wins, and to everyone’s surprise, they were swept in the first round of the playoffs by none other than the Timberwolves—the same team that just defeated the Lakers in their preseason opener. But don’t count the Suns out; with their talent-laden roster, they’ll be looking to make a strong statement in their preseason debut.
Let’s break down some exciting details about the upcoming game. First, here’s when and where to catch it live:
Game Day Info:
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024
- Time: 6:30 p.m. PT
- TV Channel: Spectrum SportsNet
- Live Stream: You can stream the game live for free on Fubo.
You definitely don’t want to miss this matchup! Both teams have a lot to prove this preseason, and with stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker on the floor, it’s bound to be a high-energy game.
What Happened in the Lakers’ Last Outing
Taking a quick look back at the Lakers’ preseason opener against the Timberwolves, some key players stood out. Austin Reaves and rookie Dalton Knecht were the top scorers for the Lakers, each putting up 16 points. Reaves also showed off his playmaking skills, dishing out seven assists. In addition, there was another exciting element to the game—rookie Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, made a splash by blocking three shots. It’s these small glimpses of talent and development that make preseason basketball worth watching.
Knecht, in particular, is an interesting player to keep your eyes on. His versatility and offensive capabilities make him a potential game-changer for the Lakers. It’s still early in the preseason, but these young talents are already making a name for themselves, and they’ll be looking to build on these performances as the season progresses.
Suns: A Team with Championship Aspirations
Now, let’s focus on the Suns. After falling short of expectations last season, they’re coming into this preseason with a renewed sense of urgency. The addition of Jusuf Nurkic to their starting lineup adds a solid center presence, which will help balance their already formidable offense led by Durant, Beal, and Booker. This core trio is one of the most dangerous in the league, and while last year didn’t go as planned, there’s no denying their potential to go deep in the playoffs.
The Suns have a lot to prove this year. Their early playoff exit last season was disappointing for fans, and there’s pressure on head coach Frank Vogel to make the right adjustments. Many are eager to see how this group bounces back, and Sunday’s game will give a glimpse into how well this team is gelling with the new additions.
Probable Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers
- G: D’Angelo Russell
- G: Austin Reaves
- C: Anthony Davis
- F: Rui Hachimura
- F: LeBron James
Phoenix Suns
- G: Tyus Jones
- G: Devin Booker
- C: Jusuf Nurkic
- F: Bradley Beal
- F: Kevin Durant
These lineups are stacked with talent, and both teams will be looking to work out the kinks in their respective rosters before the regular season kicks off. For the Lakers, it’ll be interesting to see how Reaves continues to develop alongside stars like LeBron and AD, especially as they try to improve upon last year’s playoff run. Meanwhile, the Suns will be looking to sharpen their chemistry, particularly with Nurkic now anchoring their defense.
Key Players to Watch
For the Lakers, all eyes will be on LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but don’t forget about some of the younger guys like Austin Reaves and Max Christie. Reaves is coming into his own as a dynamic guard, and his performance in the Lakers' last game was a promising start. As for Christie, he’s shown glimpses of being a capable shooter, and if he can continue to develop, he might carve out a larger role for himself this season.
On the Suns’ side, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker are obviously the headline names. Durant, one of the most lethal scorers in the league, will likely set the tone, but it’ll be interesting to see how well he meshes with Beal and Booker this season. With Jusuf Nurkic now in the mix, they have a legitimate shot at contending for a championship.
The dynamics between these star players will be a major point of interest, especially as the season progresses. Both teams have incredibly high ceilings, but they’ll need to get through preseason first to see where they stand.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying the excitement surrounding Sunday’s game between the Lakers and the Suns. Both teams are in different stages of development but share one common goal: winning a championship. Preseason games might not count in the standings, but they play a critical role in setting the tone for the months to come.
So whether you’re tuning in to see LeBron James lead the Lakers, or you’re interested in watching how Kevin Durant and the Suns look in their preseason debut, this is one game you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to catch the game at 6:30 p.m. PT, either on Spectrum SportsNet or via live stream on Fubo. Let’s get ready for an exciting matchup!
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