PALM DESERT – The energy was electric at Acrisure Arena on Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers returned to the Coachella Valley for a highly anticipated preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns. For the third consecutive year, desert basketball fans turned out in force, filling the arena with a sea of purple and gold to get a first look at the 2025-2026 squad.
The game, which ended in a hard-fought 118-112 victory for the Suns, gave the enthusiastic crowd plenty to cheer about. It was a dynamic contest from the opening tip, providing a glimpse of what both teams have been working on during their offseason training.
From the start, the atmosphere was more like a mid-season showdown than an exhibition game. The Lakers, long a favorite in the region since their “Showtime” era training camps at College of the Desert, received a massive reception. Superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who played limited minutes as is common in preseason, looked sharp in their time on the court, moving the ball with precision and setting the offensive tone.
The first quarter saw both teams trading baskets in a fast-paced exchange. The Suns, led by All-Star guard Devin Booker, established their rhythm early. Booker was effective in his minutes, creating scoring opportunities and hitting several key shots that kept the Lakers’ defense on its toes.
As the game progressed, the focus shifted to the teams’ supporting casts and new additions. For the Lakers, the crowd was particularly excited to see rookie Dalton Knecht, the team’s first-round draft pick. Knecht did not disappoint, displaying the scoring touch that made him a college standout. He moved well without the ball and hit several jumpers, giving fans a promising look at his offensive game.
Another storyline that captured attention was the performance of Bronny James. The rookie guard handled the ball with confidence, running the offense and looking for his shot when the opportunity arose. His active play on both ends of the floor drew consistent applause from the supportive crowd, which followed his every move.
The Suns answered with strong performances from their own role players. Grayson Allen was aggressive in attacking the basket, and the Phoenix bench provided crucial scoring to maintain their lead through the second and third quarters. The game remained close, with neither team able to build a significant advantage.
The fourth quarter was a spirited battle between the reserves of both teams. Lakers guard Austin Reaves, a fan favorite, delivered his usual high-energy performance, hitting a key jump shot that brought the crowd to its feet. However, Phoenix’s depth proved to be the difference-maker. They executed well down the stretch, making critical shots and defensive stops to secure the win.
Despite the loss, the evening was a success for the Lakers and the local community. The event highlighted the Coachella Valley’s passion for professional basketball and its strong connection to the Lakers organization. The game provided valuable court time for rookies and bench players looking to earn their spot in the regular-season rotation.
For southwest Riverside County fans who made the trip, it was an opportunity to see world-class athletes up close and be part of an exciting professional sporting event right in their backyard. The vibrant atmosphere inside Acrisure Arena proved once again that the desert is a premier destination for NBA action.
