The Los Angeles Lakers opened preseason with a 103-81 loss to the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, California’s Acrisure Arena on Friday.<\/p>\n
L.A., which played this one<\/a> without superstars Luka Don\u010di\u0107 (rest) and LeBron James (nerve irritation in the glute), guards Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy) and Gabe Vincent (knee<\/a>) and forward Maxi Kleber (quad), fell behind 31-16 after the first quarter. <\/p>\n The Lakers never really recovered from there, with numerous players enduring rough shooting nights, including Bronny James, who made just 1-of-12 shots (1-of-8 from three). He did make 5-of-6 free throws en route to eight points, five rebounds and two assists.<\/p>\n Lakers center Deandre Ayton made his debut in purple and gold and struggled in 18 minutes, missing both of his shots, committing four turnovers and scoring just one point off a free throw. He did add eight rebounds and a pair of steals.<\/p>\n Jarred Vanderbilt also scored just one point in 21 minutes, missing all four of his shots. Dalton Knecht missed 2-of-10 shots en route to six points.<\/p>\n Overall, the Lakers shot just 31.1 percent from the field and 17.1 percent from three. L.A. was led by Austin Reaves (20 points) and R.J. Davis (14 points).<\/p>\n The defense also struggled in this one, and Lakers reporter Jovan Buha noted that’s a problem right now.<\/p>\n