Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers: Preview, odds, and prediction | October 6, 2024

The LA Lakers will field their full-strength squad in just their second preseason game ahead of the 2024-25 season. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis confirmed to suit up, the Purple and Gold will provide a glimpse of what their renewed offense could be like when they face off against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena, Palm Springs, on Sunday (Oct. 6).

Worth tuning into will be the fact that another piece of NBA history will be made when James will almost certainly take the floor with son Bronny James. The moment will surely go down as one for the ages as the 4x NBA champion's dream of playing with his son will finally be realized.

The Suns will look to their 'Big 3' of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to pick up from where they left off last season. Phoenix were labeled as bonafide title contenders last season after a blockbuster Beal move, but their season ended with a 4-0 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

The Lakers were a first-round side as well, losing to the Denver Nuggets for the second straight season in the postseason.

With two new coaches at the helm for both teams, it will be interesting to see how the heavyweight sides fare in the preseason skirmish.

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Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers preview, predicted starting lineups, odds, and prediction

The Suns vs Lakers skirmish tips off at 9:30 pm ET. Local coverage will be on Spectrum SportsNet and Arizona's Family 3TV / Arizona's Family Sports. The matchup can also be streamed live on the NBA App with a subscription to the NBA League Pass. Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the Sunday night clash between the two sides.

Teams	Spread	Moneyline	Total (o/u)
Phoenix Suns	+1	-102	o221.5 (-112)
LA Lakers	-1	-118	u221.5 (-108)

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

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Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers preview

The Lakers' first preseason game had enough to unpack. Max Christie justified his $32 million offseason deal with 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists in 5-9 shooting. Rookie Dalton Knecht showed he was NBA-ready with 16 points.

Bronny James recorded three blocks, showing how he could be in Alex Caruso's mold for the side, while a healthy Gabe Vincent notched up 11 points with impressive work on both ends of the floor.

That isn't to say that LA is a solid unit already under JJ Redick. They still looked rusty on their 3-point shooting (They only shot 31.3% of their 3s compared to the T-Wolves' whopping 40.5%). Their one-through-four switching had Redick disappointed, but optimistic that the strategy would be incorporated more in the games to come.

With the second game featuring all five names that will be the starting five for the Purple and Gold, barring injury issues, it will be interesting to see what role James plays, and how Davis will be the hub of their offense.

The Suns need to start strong. Jusuf Nurkic's injury blow will see them bank on Mason Plumlee to hold fort at the five. With yet another defense-first coach in Mike Budenholzer, the Suns' erratic defense from last season will surely see an upgrade. But the spotlight for this game will be on making sure the prep work for both teams is on point.

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Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers predicted starting lineups

The LA Lakers will field their already confirmed starting five with D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis. Max Christie, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and Jaxson Hayes will form the second unit.

The Phoenix Suns will likely play their superstars but with a minutes regulation in effect. Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Grayson Allen and Mason Plumlee will likely be their starters. Royce O'Neal and Monte Morris will be their bench options.

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Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers prediction

The preseason games hold more value for the LA Lakers than it does for the Suns. And after showcasing what their rotation players are capable of, LA will look to get a win on Sunday, while also looking at fine-tuning their gameplans in a unit with both James and Davis.

Expect the Suns to ease their star duo of Durant and Booker in, while Beal will look to shrug off his injury-riddled first season in Phoenix. Take the Lakers for the win.