Longtime Pacific Division rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, are set to face off for the first time in the 2024-25 season on Friday. Both teams started their regular seasons with wins. Kevin Durant led the Suns with 25 points, while Bradley Beal added 24 in a 116-113 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, spoiling the opening of Intuit Dome for the Clippers. Devin Booker contributed 15 points, shooting 4-of-5 from three-point range, and dished out six assists. This trio playing together is a hopeful sign for Phoenix after a rocky 2023-24 season where they only managed 41 games together and were swept in the first round of the playoffs by Minnesota.
The game also marked the regular-season debut of Budenholzer as the Suns’ head coach. Previously leading Milwaukee to an NBA championship in 2021, Budenholzer’s teams are known for their high-scoring capabilities. Durant’s post-game comments suggested that Phoenix might adopt a similar open style under their new coach.
The Lakers, under new head coach JJ Redick, also had a successful debut with a 110-103 win over Minnesota. Anthony Davis shone with 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Austin Reaves added 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Rui Hachimura had 18 points and five rebounds. LeBron James, starting his 22nd season, scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, and made four assists. Notably, he briefly played alongside his son, Bronny, who made his NBA debut.
Rookie Dalton Knecht, who had an impressive preseason, scored five points, along with two assists and a steal in almost 16 minutes of play. Jaxson Hayes also contributed 10 points off the bench and is expected to get more playing time with Jarred Vanderbilt out due to a heel injury.
The stage is set for an exciting matchup between these historic rivals.
