It wasn’t the kind of debut anyone expected. On the 2025 NBA preseason openerCoachella Valley, DeAndre Ayton — the former #1 overall pick and former Phoenix Suns centerpiece — grabbed 18 rebounds in his first game wearing a Los Angeles Lakers jersey. But the numbers didn’t translate to wins. The Lakers fell 103-81 to the very team he once led, in a performance that exposed more than just a lack of scoring — it revealed a roster still searching for its identity.
Booker’s Contract Extension Ignites Suns’ Dominance
Just one day after signing his two-year, $145 million extension, Devin Booker looked like a man with nothing left to prove. In 25 minutes of play, he dropped 24 points, dished out seven assists, and controlled the tempo with calm precision. His shooting was uneven — 8-of-19 from the field, 2-of-6 from deep — but his decision-making wasn’t. He didn’t force shots. He waited. And when the opening appeared, he struck. A 6-of-8 night from the line sealed his efficiency. Grayson Allen added 13 points, and Phoenix Suns bench players like Jordan Goodwin (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Mark Williams (14 points, 11 rebounds) filled the gaps. The Suns hit 14 threes — their 14th in each of their last three games — and built a 27-point lead by the end of the third quarter. They didn’t just win. They looked like champions.
Lakers Without Their Cornerstones
The Los Angeles Lakers were missing their two biggest stars: LeBron James, 40, and Luka Dončić, 26. Without them, the offense looked disjointed. Austin Reaves, 26, carried the load with 20 points, but he was often isolated, forcing tough shots against double teams. Bronny James, 20, showed flashes — eight points, some defensive energy — but shot just 3-of-12 from the field. The Lakers’ bench was outscored 58-29. There was no rhythm. No flow. Just a series of stop-and-start possessions that looked more like a practice drill than a competitive game.
Ayton’s Quiet Debut: Rebounds, But No Impact
DeAndre Ayton’s 18 rebounds were the most by any Lakers player in a preseason game since 2019. That’s impressive. But here’s the twist: he didn’t score a single point. He didn’t attempt a shot. He didn’t even block a single attempt. His presence in the paint was a statistical anomaly — a ghost who cleared space but didn’t fill it. Fans expected a dominant interior force. What they got was a silent giant, quietly corralling boards while the Suns carved up their defense with ball movement and three-pointers. His quiet debut wasn’t a failure — it was a mystery. Was he still recovering? Was he adjusting to a new system? Or was this just the first chapter of a slow integration?
Why This Loss Matters More Than the Score
The Suns entered the game with a 10-2 record in their last 12 games, including a 111-102 win over the San Antonio Spurs the day before. They’re clicking. They’ve found their identity: fast, spaced, and ruthless from beyond the arc. The Lakers? They’ve spent the last six months reshuffling their roster, trading away role players, and adding veterans like Ayton in a gamble on chemistry. But chemistry doesn’t show up on a stat sheet. It’s built in practice, in film sessions, in late-night conversations. And right now, the Lakers look like a team that’s still learning each other’s names.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Suns have three preseason games left before opening the regular season on October 22, 2025. They’ll likely rest Booker and Allen in the next two, letting their depth carry the load. For the Lakers, the next 10 days are critical. With LeBron and Luka expected back in time for the season opener, the coaching staff needs to figure out how Ayton fits — not just as a rebounder, but as a scorer, a screener, a floor spacer. Will he roll to the basket? Will he pop for mid-range jumpers? Right now, the answer is unclear.
Historical Context: Ayton’s Rise and Fall
Ayton was the #1 pick in 2018 — a towering, athletic center with elite footwork. He spent six seasons in Phoenix, averaging 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during his peak in 2022-23. He was the engine of their 2021 Western Conference Finals run. But injuries, defensive lapses, and a shift toward small-ball lineups made him expendable. The Lakers, desperate for size after losing Anthony Davis to injury concerns, traded a protected 2026 first-round pick and two second-rounders for him in October. It was a low-risk, high-reward move. But now, with Ayton silent on offense and the Lakers’ defense porous, the gamble looks riskier than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t DeAndre Ayton score any points in his Lakers debut?
Ayton didn’t attempt a single shot in his 28 minutes of play, which is unusual for a center of his caliber. The Lakers’ offense was heavily reliant on perimeter play due to the absence of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, leaving little room for post-ups. Ayton may still be adjusting to the team’s offensive system, which prioritizes spacing and ball movement over traditional post play.
How does Devin Booker’s new contract affect the Suns’ future?
Booker’s two-year, $145 million extension locks him into Phoenix through the 2029-30 season, signaling the team’s intent to build around him as their franchise cornerstone. With a deep supporting cast and elite three-point shooting, the Suns are positioned to contend for a title in the next three seasons, even as other teams face salary cap constraints.
What’s the biggest concern for the Lakers after this loss?
The biggest issue isn’t the score — it’s the lack of cohesion. Without their stars, the Lakers looked disorganized, especially on defense. Their bench was outscored by nearly 30 points, and DeAndre Ayton’s offensive silence raises questions about how he’ll fit alongside LeBron and Luka. If chemistry doesn’t improve quickly, the Lakers could struggle in close games once the season starts.
How did the Suns maintain such a high three-point volume?
Phoenix has made exactly 14 three-pointers in each of their last three games, thanks to a well-designed motion offense that creates open looks through ball movement and player spacing. Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Cam Johnson are all elite catch-and-shoot threats, and Booker’s playmaking ensures defenders are constantly moving. This isn’t luck — it’s a system.
Is Bronny James ready to be a starter in the NBA?
Bronny showed promise with his defensive intensity and hustle, but his 3-of-12 shooting suggests he’s still developing his shot consistency. He’s not yet a reliable offensive option, but his athleticism and basketball IQ make him a valuable rotation player. For now, he’s better suited as a sixth man until his shooting improves.
What does this preseason game reveal about the Western Conference race?
The Suns are emerging as serious contenders — their depth, shooting, and cohesion make them one of the most dangerous teams in the West. The Lakers, meanwhile, remain a question mark. Until LeBron and Luka play together, and until Ayton finds his offensive role, they’re not yet a top-tier team. The gap between the elite and the rest may be wider than ever.