LOS ANGELES — As the new NBA season unfolds, it’s important to remember that “it’s early.” Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Lakers have started off strong and appear to be a solid team.
In their first two games, the Lakers faced off against two anticipated playoff contenders in the Western Conference, achieving notable victories. After defeating the Timberwolves in their opener, the Lakers managed to outlast the Suns on Friday night, winning 123-116 and improving to 2-0 for the first time since the 2010-11 season. Here are five key observations from this uplifting win, which places the Lakers at the top of the Western Conference, for now.
1. Redick’s Coaching Impact
Despite coming into the role with limited coaching experience, JJ Redick has shown impressive results with the Lakers. The team demonstrates notable chemistry and cohesion, particularly in their offensive play. Scoring is balanced, and the supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis is stepping up.
Davis praised Redick’s ability to remain calm under pressure, which helped the team rally from a 22-point deficit. The players are embracing Redick’s strategies, with Austin Reaves standing out by outplaying star Devin Booker and scoring 26 points. Redick acknowledged Reaves’ talent, stating he underestimated just how good he was.
2. Dominance of Davis
Anthony Davis has emerged as a dominant force for the Lakers. In the game against the Suns, he scored 35 points, following a 36-point performance in the season opener. His aggressive play has positioned him as the focal point of the Lakers’ offense, and he’s taking advantage of size mismatches against opposing defenses.
Davis noted that when his teammates perform well, it opens up more opportunities for him. Redick emphasized Davis’ importance to the team’s success, indicating that when games become unpredictable, the ball will likely find its way back to him.
3. Suns’ Defensive Struggles
Under new coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns are still struggling defensively. Despite having talented scorers like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, they allowed the Lakers to score 71 points in the second half. Their defensive issues persisted as they couldn’t keep pace when their shooting waned.
The Suns started strong with impressive three-point shooting but faltered, concluding the game with poor shooting stats. This ongoing defensive weakness may pose challenges as they navigate a competitive Western Conference.
4. LA’s Sports Scene
The atmosphere in Los Angeles was electric, with multiple major sports events occurring simultaneously, including the Lakers game, the World Series, and college football. This convergence led to significant traffic disruptions across the city, underscoring LA’s status as a vibrant sports hub and providing a glimpse of the excitement expected for the upcoming 2028 Olympics.
5. Bronny James’ Development
With a busy schedule for the Lakers, Bronny James may see limited playing time, potentially being assigned to the G League for further development after a six-game road trip. After a brief appearance in the season opener and a DNP against the Suns, his future playing time remains uncertain as he adjusts to the demands of professional basketball.
As Bronny experiences the G League, it will be crucial for him to stand out among other aspiring players, raising questions about his place within the organization if he struggles to make an impact.
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Shaun Powell has over 25 years of experience covering the NBA. His insights reflect observations made during the early stages of the season.