Lakers drop preseason opener against Suns at Acrisure Arena
Allie Anthony
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The Los Angeles Lakers’ return to the Coachella Valley was bittersweet for local LA fans.
The Lakers kicked off their preseason Friday against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena with a 103-81 loss.
Laker stars Lebron James and Luka Dončić did not play in the game.
Suns’ star Devin Booker played 25 minutes, leading the team with 24 points and 7 assists.
Austin Reeves led the way for the Lakers with 20 points.
The Lakers travel to San Francisco for their second preseason game, this time against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, who they will also kick off the regular season against on Oct. 21.
Friday marked the third straight year the Lakers played a pre-season game in the Coachella Valley.
.@allie_kesq got to chat with @Lakers guard Gabe Vincent ahead of the team’s preseason opener this Friday at @AcrisureArena against the Suns. This marks the 3rd straight year for the Lakers in the desert. Stay with us for coverage. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @kendallkesq @LakersNation pic.twitter.com/3AE83AJAX2
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) October 1, 2025
The organization has a rich history in the Coachella Valley, the former home of Lakers’ training camp in the Showtime era.
In 2023, the Lakers returned to Coachella Valley after a 26-year hiatus, bringing the Purple and Gold back to the desert with a sold-out preseason showing.
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for coverage of the game on Friday.