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Oct 3, 2025; Palm Desert, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots past Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

3 Takeaways from Suns' Preseason Opener vs. Lakers

Originally posted on Phoenix Suns on SI | By Trevor Booth | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 4:31 PM ET

Moving on from their Big 3 era, the Phoenix Suns excited their fanbase with their 103-81 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.

The Suns, who this offseason traded Kevin Durant and bought-out Bradley Beal, have a new head coach, Jordan Ott, and teammates for franchise star Devin Booker, who signed a two-year, $145 million extension this offseason to stay around through 2029-30.

The 28-year-old had a game-high 24 points, as the Suns dominated the Lakers without their two best players, Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

The Suns are trying to establish a new identity this season. Phoenix acquired Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks from the Houston Rockets as they try to become younger, more fierce and athletic.

Green did not play in the game due to a hamstring strain, and center Mark Williams was also ruled out.

Phoenix led the Lakers by as many as 25 in the win. Here are three takeaway's from the game.

Jordan Ott's First Game

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ott is credited for his development of the Cleveland Cavaliers in his only year as their assistant. Cleveland, which was the No. 1 seed in the East, scored the most points (121.9) in the NBA per game.

While the Suns are looking to establish their sets, they impressed with their shot quality. Phoenix attempted 16 more field goals (90 to 74) than the Lakers and shot 42.2% from the field and 31.% (13-of-41) from three.

Each of the Suns' starters had at least two assists. Booker led the team with seven.

"I liked the way we played. Alot of carryover from training camp. It's nice to see it versus another team."

Devin Booker after Suns 103-81 win over Lakers.

On talk with Ryan Dunn after backcourt foul: "I told him to just be a little smarter with it. There are times when they're… pic.twitter.com/Sjf7NMIGvN
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 4, 2025

Booker Leads Suns With New Teammates

Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Much will be asked this season of Booker, who the Suns bet their future on. He has the highest annual salary ($72.5 million) in league history following his extension.

Booker, Durant and Beal failed to meet their championship expectations. The Suns hope to get back to the playoffs and Booker will have to be the reason they do.

In the game, Booker showed why he is one of the NBA's best scorers. He made fadeaway jumpers, scored at the free-throw line (he made 6-of-8 at the foul line) and even broke out a sky hook in the second quarter.

Devin Booker showing shades of Kareem with the skyhook against the Lakers.

Spectrum SportsNet pic.twitter.com/sWD8LPCFW8
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 4, 2025

Booker's scoring is only one aspect of his all-around brilliance offensively. He will be the team's point guard and showed why he can be the No. 1 option with his passing.

Along with Booker, Grayson Allen and Brooks each scored in double figures, with 13 and 10 points. Booker, Brooks, Allen and forward Royce O'Neale each made at least two threes, with Brooks and Allen at three 3s.

Phoenix's Newcomers Add To Excitement

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Suns drafted Khaman Maluach from Duke, adding to their goal to get stronger and bigger.

“Obviously, that’s a big part of the NBA game, being able to put pressure on the rim offensively,” general manager Brian Gregory said.

“How do you do that? You do that by paint touches off of drives and cuts, and you do that by being able to throw the ball to various guys at the rim. He is tremendous in that. He’s a great on-ball screener. Rolls extremely well. Has great hands. Can catch the ball. He’s going to be a threat for us at the rim.”

Maluach played 10 minutes and finished with six rebounds.

"I feel like I did what I was supposed to do," said Maluach after the game.

Maluach has added over 10 pounds since the summer camp and is around 263 heading into the beginning of the preseason.

Guard Jared Butler had 12 points, and forward Nigel Hayes had three points and six rebounds.

Phoenix's preseason continues next Friday, Oct. 10, as they will travel to face the Brooklyn Nets in China.