Quick Read
- RJ Davis scored 14 points off the bench in the Lakers’ preseason opener.
- Davis shot 5-for-8 from the field and was second in team scoring behind Austin Reaves.
- He signed an Exhibit 10 contract in June and is competing for a roster spot.
- The Lakers lost to the Suns 103-81, shooting just 31% from the field.
RJ Davis Grabs the Spotlight in Lakers’ Preseason Loss
The Los Angeles Lakers stepped onto the court Friday night, eager to unveil a retooled roster and fresh faces in their first preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. The 103-81 defeat wasn’t the debut the Lakers had hoped for, but amid the team’s struggles, one name echoed with promise: RJ Davis.
Bench Spark: Davis Delivers When Opportunity Knocks
While much of the attention centered on high-profile acquisitions and returning stars, it was Davis—a recent Exhibition 10 contract signee—who quietly ignited the Lakers’ bench. Coming off as a relative unknown to many NBA fans, Davis finished the night with 14 points, shooting an impressive 5-for-8 from the field, including 1-of-2 from deep and a perfect 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. He also tallied a steal, bringing a noticeable energy and efficiency to an otherwise stagnant Lakers offense.
“He was up to 10 points with 8:30 left in the game,” reported Silver Screen & Roll, noting Davis’ late-game surge as the Lakers searched for rhythm. In a game where the team shot just 31% from the floor and suffered through extended scoring droughts, Davis’ ability to find his spots and convert stood out starkly against the backdrop of a struggling offense.
A Night of Contrasts: Lakers Offense Falters, Young Talent Emerges
The evening was marked by disappointment for some of the Lakers’ bigger names. Deandre Ayton’s highly anticipated debut in purple and gold—ironically against his former team—was met with criticism and skepticism from fans and pundits alike. Ayton managed just one point, eight rebounds, and two blocks in 18 minutes, drawing mixed reactions across social media and from NBA Analysis readers. Meanwhile, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James both struggled with their shots, combining for just 14 points on 3-of-22 shooting.
Yet, the Lakers’ bench, anchored by Davis, provided a glimpse of hope. According to CBSSports.com, Davis led all Lakers reserves in scoring and was second only to Austin Reaves (20 points) for the entire team. His efficient performance wasn’t just a statistical bright spot; it was a narrative shift in a game otherwise dominated by the Suns’ relentless runs and the Lakers’ offensive woes.
Making a Case: Davis’ Roster Hopes After Standout Performance
For Davis, the stakes could not be higher. Having signed an Exhibit 10 contract in late June, he entered training camp as a longshot to crack the Lakers’ final 15-man roster. Performances like Friday’s, however, could tilt the odds in his favor. “More strong performances like Friday would certainly help him make his case,” noted CBSSports.com.
Davis’ journey has been defined by perseverance and adaptability. He wasn’t a lottery pick, nor did he arrive with the fanfare of the Lakers’ bigger names. But on a night when the Lakers needed a spark, it was Davis who delivered—quietly, efficiently, and with an unmistakable sense of belonging. For a team still searching for its identity in the preseason, that kind of contribution is invaluable.
Team Struggles and Silver Linings
The Lakers’ opening sequence looked promising, with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura combining for the first nine points. Reaves, in particular, appeared in midseason form, tallying 18 of his 20 points in the first half. But the offense soon sputtered. After a 7-0 Suns run, the Lakers went seven minutes without a field goal, and by the end of the first quarter, trailed by 15.
The Suns never relinquished control, with Devin Booker lighting up the scoreboard and Phoenix’s supporting cast capitalizing on Lakers turnovers and cold shooting. The Lakers’ 31% field goal percentage underscored their offensive struggles. Despite the lopsided score, head coach Darvin Ham and his staff had reasons to be encouraged by the fight and flashes shown by Davis and Reaves.
What’s Next for Davis and the Lakers?
The Lakers have little time to dwell on the loss. Their next preseason test comes against the Golden State Warriors, and for Davis, it’s another opportunity to solidify his standing. Preseason, after all, is about more than wins and losses—it’s about discovery and opportunity. For every established star, there’s a player like Davis, fighting for a chance to prove he belongs.
As the Lakers fine-tune their rotation and search for reliable contributors, Davis’ performance may force the coaching staff to take a longer look. The preseason spotlight is fleeting, but for a player on the margins, it can mean everything.
RJ Davis’ performance in the Lakers’ preseason opener was more than a statistical footnote; it was a statement. In a game marred by inefficiency and disappointment for many of his teammates, Davis’ poise, shot selection, and energy provided a blueprint for what the Lakers’ bench could become. As the team navigates the uncertainty of preseason, Davis has already proven he’s worth a closer look—perhaps even a spot on the roster.