The Suns and the Lakers meet again in the NBA preseason at the Mortgage Matchup Center, where Phoenix is the favorite after its solid start and the significant losses that the Los Angeles team is carrying.
Party Context
Phoenix and Los Angeles star in another Western classic, although this time in a preparation environment where feelings and chemistry outweigh the scoreboard. Both teams are looking to fine-tune details ahead of the start of the regular season, but their current realities are very different.
The Suns arrive with a renewed roster, young energy and a Devin Booker who seems determined to assume the absolute role of leader after the departure of Kevin Durant. On the other hand, the Lakers are going through a period of adjustments and physical limitations: LeBron James continues to be out with discomfort, and the team has not found consistency in its offense.
Phoenix already won clearly in their first preseason meeting (103-81), showing rhythm, defense and greater collective cohesion. This new duel will be a good measure to see if the Lakers will be able to reverse that image.
Phoenix Suns: New Identity And Fresh Energy
The Suns are going through an interesting transition. The arrival of coach Jordan Ott has changed the team's philosophy, betting on a more aggressive defense and quick transitions. In three preseason games, they have accumulated two wins and one loss, showing a balance between promising young players and veterans.
Booker, as always, is the beacon of the team: he leads the offense with more than 18 points per game and a level of maturity that consolidates him as one of the most complete point guards in the league. Around him, new pieces such as Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are starting to adapt, providing intensity and versatility.
Phoenix's greatest strength has been their defense: they limited the Lakers to just 81 points in the first crossover, a figure that reflects the level of collective commitment in the backcourt.
Los Angeles Lakers: Tests, Absences and Doubts
The Lakers face this preseason with more questions than certainties. Without LeBron James and with Anthony Davis limited in minutes, the team has lost offensive fluidity. In their previous duels against Warriors and Suns, they showed difficulties to sustain the rhythm and generate points in transition.
Austin Reaves has been the most outstanding player, assuming leadership with averages close to 20 points, while Rui Hachimura is trying to consolidate himself as a reference in the inside game. However, prolonged absences -and the lack of synchrony in the rotation- are taking their toll on a team that is still searching for a clear identity under Darvin Ham.
The priority at this stage will be to develop the young players, especially Bronny James, who is starting to earn valuable minutes for the future.
Equipment Comparison
Before going into the prediction, it is worth noting how both teams have performed in the key aspects of the game.
| Statistics | Phoenix Suns | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Average points in preseason | 109.3 | 96.5 |
| Total rebounds per game | 45.1 | 42.7 |
| Turnovers | 12.4 | 15.8 |
| Field firing efficiency | 48% | 43% |
| Average point difference | +7.8 | -10.6 |
Phoenix stands out for its better offensive execution and lower margin of error, while the Lakers continue to struggle with turnovers and poor outside shooting.
Keys to the Match
This meeting will not only serve to measure individual performance, but also the ability of both coaches to adjust on the fly.
The Suns have clear advantages: a deeper roster, tactical continuity and available players in better shape. If they maintain their defensive intensity and offensive fluidity, they can once again dominate without any surprises.
On the Lakers' side, the key will be in their response from the bench. If Reaves and Hachimura can keep up the pace and get role players like Gabe Vincent and Ayton involved, they could complicate Phoenix at times. However, their lack of consistency in defensive transition remains a glaring problem.
Final Forecast
Everything points to the Suns extending their dominance over the Lakers. They have better rhythm, more cohesion and a Devin Booker who looks in great shape. The absence of LeBron and the lack of depth in the Los Angeles rotation make the difference in a duel where the preseason intensity does not disguise the structural deficiencies.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns win
Estimated score: Phoenix 118 - Los Angeles 106
Phoenix has the pieces, the system and the motivation; the Lakers, for now, just the desire to hang on until their stars return.
