Suns update status of Bradley Beal ahead of matchup against Lakers

Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to pass against Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer provided an update of Bradley Beal’s status ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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The  Suns (2-1) expect Beal (right elbow soreness), who was originally questionable, to play, Budenholzer said in his pregame press conference. Beal is now officially active and will start after he missed Saturday’s 114-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Phoenix’s home opener with the injury, which he suffered by getting tangled up on a screen in Friday’s loss to the Lakers.

“He’s gonna warm up and check that last box, but we’re expecting him to be available,” Budenholzer said.

Beal has averaged 19.5 points on 53.8% shooting and 5.0 assists in the two games he played this season for the Suns (2-1).

#Suns coach Mike Budenhozler says that they expect Bradley Beal (right elbow soreness) to be available tonight against the #Lakers

— Burn City Suns ☀️ (@BurnCitySuns) October 29, 2024

Suns rookie Ryan Dunn started in Beal’s place against Dallas and recorded 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 21 minutes. Budenhozler said they will continue to mix and match lineups to find good minutes for Dunn.

Grayson Allen is returning from a two-game absence due to personal reasons and has also been dealing with Achilles soreness that caused him to miss the final four games of the preseason. Budenholzer said they will be smart with Allen’s minutes.

Josh Okogie (right hamstring strain) remains out for Phoenix after hurting himself in the preseason. Budenholzer said that Okogie is making good progress with his injury.

TyTy Washington and Jalen Bridges were also listed as out on the injury report because they are with the G League team.

#Suns injury report for tomorrow's game vs. #Lakers

Bradley Beal (right elbow soreness) QUESTIONABLE

Josh Okogie (right hamstring strain) OUT

Jalen Bridges (G League – two-way) OUT
TyTy Washington Jr. (G League – two-way) OUT

Grayson Allen (personal) NOT LISTED

— Burn City Suns ☀️ (@BurnCitySuns) October 28, 2024

For the Lakers (3-0), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery), Christian Wood (right knee surgery recovery), Christian Koloko (return to competition reconditioning) all remain out as they have all season. Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, Quincy Olivari and Armel Traore are all with the G League team and listed as out.

Tonight’s game tips off shortly after 7:00 p.m. MST.

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau