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Match Preview LAL vs PHX :
LAL vs PHX The Los Angeles Lakers resume their NBA Summer League campaign against the Phoenix Suns, who were the NBA Finalists in 2021. After a humiliating loss in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against Chris Paul and Co., the Purple and Gold should be keen to make amends.
Austin Reaves and Joel Ayayi were signed to two-way contracts by the LA Lakers ahead of the summer league after sitting out the draught to play for the team. Along with colleague Mac McClung, the two made their debuts against the Miami Heat. After a hard-fought battle, the youthful LA Lakers were defeated by a two-point margin.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns roster deviates from what is considered normal in the league. Their NBA Summer League squad does not include anyone from the 2021 draft class. The team from Phoenix has built a 15-man squad comprising of players from ten different countries. Their roster also includes two players, Ty-Shon Alexander and Jalen Smith, who have played for the Phoenix Suns in the 2020-21 season.
Match Details LAL vs PHX
Fixture – LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns | NBA Summer League 2021.
Date & Time – Sunday, August 8th, 2021, 10:30 PM ET (Monday, 8:00 AM IST).
Venue – Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV.
LA Lakers Preview
The LA Lakers will battle it out against the Suns in Las Vegas with an exciting young team full of potential. The team from Staples Center made headlines after acquiring superstar PG Russell Westbrook. While everyone’s attention was diverted to this league-changing transaction, the Lakers management brought in a lot of young talent.
Their 14-man roster, which will play against the Phoenix Suns, includes the likes of Chaundee Brown, Devontae Cacok and Tres Tinkle along with the aforementioned Reaves, McClung and Ayayi.
Key Player – Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves has the potential to become a reliable scorer for the LA Lakers. He is a decent outside shooter and has been known to make clutch shots. During his last year with the University of Oklahoma, Reaves averaged 18.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
Reaves could be a tipping point in the matchup between the LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns. He is great at driving to the basket, can make key mid-range jumpers, and quick floaters for easy buckets. He is also capable of challenging bigger players under the rim with his acrobatic finishes and better-than-average hang time.
Key Player – Jalen Smith
Jalen Smith is the Phoenix Suns’ standout player in the summer league. At almost 6′ 10″, he can operate as a big man on the court and is capable of using his size and reach on both ends. While on offense, Jalen can score quick tipoff buckets, snatch offensive rebounds, and attack the paint.
On the defensive end, his ability to limit the opponent’s offensive rebounding and his shot-blocking make him a definite threat. He’s a key player to look out for in the LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns pre-season game.
LAL vs PHX Prediction
The Phoenix Suns’ squad is full of experienced professional players and a couple of promising sophomores. Their experience is obviously a key element in deciding the game. However, the LA Lakers squad is also filled with some fine new faces that hold the potential to win if they find their groove.
Dream Team Prediction LAL vs PHX :
