Suns Vs Lakers

The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for their final preseason matchup before the regular season kicks off next week, as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, on Thursday night. This game marks the last opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies, evaluate the depth of their rosters, and make final adjustments ahead of the long NBA season. With opening night just around the corner, every minute on the court becomes crucial for both the established stars and those fighting for a place on the team.

Devin Booker’s Return and Injury Updates

After a cautious approach during the preseason, Suns' star shooting guard Devin Booker is poised to make his return to action. Booker, who has been sidelined due to right ankle soreness, reportedly felt 100% after participating in Wednesday's practice. His readiness to play will bring a significant boost to the Suns’ backcourt, especially with the regular season opener fast approaching. Fans are eager to see him on the floor, hoping he can regain his rhythm before the Suns' season starts against the Los Angeles Clippers next Wednesday.

Center Jusuf Nurkić, who had been dealing with a finger injury, also stands a realistic chance of taking the court in this final preseason showdown. Nurkić’s presence could be pivotal, as he is expected to play a major role for Phoenix in the upcoming season after his offseason trade from Portland. However, there has been no official word on the status of Josh Okogie, who is nursing a hamstring issue, or Grayson Allen, who is dealing with an Achilles injury. Both players missed the Suns’ previous game against the Denver Nuggets, and their availability for Thursday's matchup remains uncertain.

Suns' Resilience in the Face of Injuries

Despite being short-handed, the Suns have shown impressive resilience throughout the preseason, improving to a 3-1 record after their thrilling 118-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets last Sunday. With key players like Booker, Nurkić, Okogie, Allen, as well as stars Kevin Durant, Tyus Jones, and Bradley Beal resting, the Suns' younger players and role players seized the opportunity to shine.

Rookie Ryan Dunn and former Nuggets guard Monte Morris made the most of their extended minutes, each contributing 20 points in the win. The Suns found themselves trailing by 13 points at one stage, but their bench unit sparked a remarkable comeback, showcasing the depth and potential of Phoenix’s roster. This performance has added an extra layer of intrigue to the battle for final roster spots, as players on the fringes of the team continue to stake their claim for a place in the regular season rotation.

The Suns' shooting was a key factor in the victory over Denver, as they shot an impressive 44.6% from beyond the arc. Phoenix had five players score in double digits, with Royce O’Neale tallying 17 points, Bol Bol chipping in 14, and Collin Gillespie, a standout throughout the preseason, contributing 12 points along with six assists against his former team. Gillespie, who is on a two-way contract, has consistently impressed, and his performance against Denver further strengthens his case for a spot on the NBA roster.

Roster Decisions Looming for Phoenix

As the preseason winds down, head coach Mike Budenholzer faces some tough decisions regarding the final makeup of his roster. With a few spots still up for grabs, the competition has been fierce, and Thursday’s game will serve as the last audition for players hoping to make the cut. The Suns’ roster currently includes a mix of veterans and young talent, and Budenholzer will need to balance experience with potential as he finalizes the team.

Fan-favorite Frank Kaminsky, who is currently on an exhibit-10 contract, has been a subject of interest for Suns fans. The versatile big man has the potential to see his contract converted to a standard NBA deal if the coaching staff and front office believe he can provide valuable depth in the frontcourt. Kaminsky’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his chemistry with the Suns’ core players could earn him a spot on the regular-season roster.

In addition to Kaminsky, several other players are on the bubble as the Suns finalize their roster. Gillespie, Jalen Bridges, and Phoenix native TyTy Washington Jr. are all on two-way contracts, meaning their future with the team remains uncertain. These players could either secure a place on the NBA roster or be assigned to the Suns' G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, where they would continue to develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

The Lakers' Preseason Performance and Key Players

As Phoenix looks to end the preseason on a high note, they will face a Los Angeles Lakers team that has had its own struggles this preseason. Under the guidance of first-year head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers have posted a 1-3 record, and they will be eager to close out their exhibition schedule with a win.

Anthony Davis has been the standout performer for the Lakers thus far, putting up strong numbers in limited minutes. Through three games, Davis is averaging 17.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Davis will be a key figure for the Lakers this season, and his preseason performances suggest that he is ready to shoulder a significant load.

LeBron James, though playing limited minutes as well, has been effective when on the court. The four-time NBA champion is averaging 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in his three preseason appearances. While James is clearly pacing himself ahead of the regular season, his presence alone makes the Lakers a formidable opponent. Fans will be watching closely to see if James increases his minutes in this final preseason game or continues to take a more cautious approach.

One of the pleasant surprises for the Lakers has been the play of rookie Dalton Knecht. The No. 17 overall pick in this year’s draft has impressed in his four preseason appearances, averaging 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Knecht, a product of the University of Northern Colorado, has shown a scoring touch and versatility that could earn him a prominent role in the Lakers' rotation during the regular season. In the Lakers' 111-97 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Knecht came off the bench to score 19 points, further solidifying his reputation as one of the team’s top young players.

Phoenix vs. Los Angeles: A Preseason Rematch

Thursday night’s game will mark the second meeting between the Suns and Lakers in this preseason. The two teams previously faced off on October 6 in what turned out to be a tightly contested affair. In that game, Phoenix overcame a double-digit deficit to defeat the Lakers 118-114, thanks to a strong showing from their bench.

Much like their comeback win over Denver, the Suns’ depth proved to be the difference in their first matchup against Los Angeles. With both teams likely to rest their key players in this preseason finale, it will be another opportunity for role players and young talent to shine.

What’s at Stake for Both Teams?

While the outcome of this preseason game may not carry much weight in the grand scheme of the season, both teams will want to finish their exhibition schedules on a positive note. For the Suns, a win would provide further momentum as they prepare to embark on a season with championship aspirations. With their big three of Booker, Durant, and Beal set to lead the way, Phoenix’s depth will be crucial in determining how far they can go in the playoffs.

For the Lakers, closing out the preseason with a win would give Redick and his staff some confidence heading into their season opener. With Davis and James anchoring the team, Los Angeles has high hopes for the 2024-25 campaign, and the continued development of players like Knecht will be a key factor in their success.

As both teams look ahead to the regular season, Thursday’s game provides a final opportunity for evaluation, experimentation, and perhaps a glimpse of what’s to come in the 2024-25 NBA season.