PHOENIX — LeBron James’ injury will keep him sidelined when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Phoenix Suns in their preseason opener, shifting the spotlight squarely onto Phoenix’s new trio of Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. For Suns fans, the absence of James is less about missing a marquee matchup and more about what it reveals, the Lakers’ growing reliance on load management, and the Suns’ opportunity to make an early statement in the Western Conference.
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Mar 13, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles forward James (6) dribbles against Phoenix guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA reporter, Dave McMenamin, posted on X that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been dealing with nerve irritation in his glute to start training camp. The Phoenix Suns, as they begin the era of their new big three alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks, won’t have the test against playing against LeBron James early. How can the Phoenix Suns use this to set the tone early in the Western Conference? The Suns should be able to take care of the Lakers even with their newest star Luka Doncic.
New story: LeBron James was sidelined with nerve irritation in his glute to open training camp as the Lakers are taking an “overly cautious” approach with the 40-year-old star as he opens his record 23rd season https://t.co/iAcfcApDyT
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 30, 2025
How the Suns can capitalize on the absence of LeBron James:
Phoenix fans are not only eager to see Devin Booker take on LeBron James, but also get an early test with the newest trio. Without James, it changes the entire narrative and feel of the home opener. It also speaks volumes about his age and how LeBron’s slow ramp-up gives a glimpse into the Lakers’ long-term load management. The Suns could capitalize on these issues later in the season if they find themselves playing against Los Angeles in the future, and even in the playoffs. Suns fans would easily see this as a opening punch to start the season, and would give them some firepower to begin the season.
Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles forward James (23) drives to the basket against Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Now that LeBron James isn’t going to be in the home preseason opener, does the rivalry between the Lakers feel watered down? No matter where they play or what the rosters are, the intense matchups between Phoenix and Los Angeles will last. This is more than just the preseason, though; it’s about whether Phoenix can seize an opportunity and make a stamp in their first game together with their new trio. While Los Angeles is cautious with their superstars, the Suns can shine bright into the future with theirs. The Suns can’t control LeBron’s health, but they can control the statement while he sits.
Feb 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Devin Booker (1) is introduced during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
