Suns vs. Lakers: 5 Key Takeaways as Anthony Davis Sparks Comeback from 22-Point Deficit

LOS ANGELES — It’s that time of year again when the phrase “it’s early” becomes the most common refrain in NBA circles. But with that said, the Lakers are looking like a solid team.

After two games, they’ve faced off against two projected Western Conference contenders, managing not just to hold their ground but to dominate at times, securing convincing wins. They started with a victory over the Timberwolves and followed it up by beating the Suns 123-116, marking their first 2-0 start since the 2010-11 season. With that, the Lakers are riding high on confidence.

Anthony Davis is playing at an elite level, LeBron James shows no signs of slowing down in his 22nd season, and the team is looking sharp with few weaknesses apparent. The Lakers bounced back from an early 22-point deficit against Phoenix, showcasing resilience and a solid game plan. Here are five key takeaways from a promising victory that has the Lakers leading the West—at least for now:

1. Redick’s Coaching Impact
   Although he came into the role with a modest coaching resume, JJ Redick has already made a noticeable impact. The Lakers exhibit strong chemistry and cohesion, especially on the offensive end, with a balanced scoring attack and effective ball movement. Anthony Davis highlighted the trust in Redick’s game plan, particularly during challenging moments.

“He keeps us calm when we’re down,” Davis said. “His composure helps us stay composed.”

Austin Reaves outperformed Devin Booker with 26 points, showcasing his shooting prowess, while Rui Hachimura contributed significantly again. Redick himself remarked on Reaves' talent, stating, “I knew he was good, but not this good.”

2. Davis’s Dominance
   Davis continued to be a force, scoring 35 points against the Suns after starting the season with 36. His aggressiveness and positioning on the court have made him the primary offensive option, a role he and the team are embracing wholeheartedly.

“The positions where I’m getting the ball are effective,” Davis noted. He exploited the Suns’ lack of size effectively, forcing them to match him up against Kevin Durant, who typically doesn’t guard centers.

With this season's blueprint emerging, it’s clear that Davis is the focal point of the Lakers’ strategy.

3. Suns Still Finding Their Defensive Identity
   Despite the coaching change from Frank Vogel to Mike Budenholzer, the Suns are still struggling on the defensive end. They allowed the Lakers to score 71 points in the second half, showcasing ongoing issues with their defense despite having star scorers like Durant, Booker, and Beal.

Their vulnerability was evident when they started strong but then faded, finishing the game with a dismal shooting percentage after initially hitting 11 of their first 14 three-point attempts. The Suns need to solidify their defensive mindset if they hope to contend in a competitive Western Conference.

4. LA: The Sports Epicenter
   The atmosphere in Los Angeles was electric, highlighted by the crowd’s reaction when the Suns hit a three-pointer in the third quarter, coinciding with Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series.

It was a surreal night in LA, featuring the Lakers-Suns game alongside USC-Rutgers and various high school football games, all contributing to a chaotic traffic scene. This event-filled night might just be a warm-up for the city’s upcoming role in the 2028 Olympics.

5. Bronny’s Future
   As the Lakers' schedule unfolded, it set up a potential homecoming for Bronny James, who could play in Cleveland next week. Following a six-game road trip, he might be sent to the G League for further development, which is common for a second-round pick.

After minimal play in the season opener and a DNP against the Suns, the G League stint will be critical for Bronny. The competition will be fierce, and if he struggles there, it raises questions about whether the Lakers will retain him in the long term.