Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers (NBA): odds and picks 15.10.2025

This preseason game takes on a different tone with the Lakers as clear favourites (1.47). With LeBron James absent and Luka Dončić’s debut confirmed for this match, L.A.’s creative and offensive responsibility falls heavily on their big men (Davis, Ayton) and on Luka himself as the master of ceremonies. For Phoenix, playing at home with Booker and dynamic supporting players can stretch the game, but they need to avoid turnovers and contain their opponents’ offensive rebounding.

Factors that will define the outcome: ball management (≤12 turnovers for the Suns), defensive rebounding against the bulk of Davis/Ayton, Dončić’s minutes (he may not play 30 minutes) and how much energy both teams put into defence after transition. In this line of odds, I see a clear advantage for L.A., although with room for alternative bets on individual performance.

Information: date, time and where to watch the game

• Competition: NBA (pre-season)
• Date: Wednesday, 15 October

Odds for the winner of the Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers match

 (Reference odds; may vary until the time of the match)

Latest news on the Phoenix Suns

Phoenix arrives with competitive momentum and a fresh feel, but with some doubts about rebounding. Booker will be the main offensive threat, and Allen or Brooks could take centre stage from the outside. If they manage to run and convert in transition, the game will remain open.

Probable starting five and key players

• Point guard: Devin Booker
• Shooting guard: Grayson Allen
• Small forward: Dillon Brooks
• Power forward: Royce O’Neale
• Centre: Mark Williams / Nick Richards

Booker will take on a lot of the shooting load; Allen and Brooks will open up the court, while O’Neale will provide rebounding and defensive versatility. The centre will have to contain the inside thrust of Davis and Ayton.

Current situation

The Suns have shown fluid offence in the preseason, although they have been inconsistent on defence. At home, they tend to pick up the pace and score around 100 points if their three-pointers are falling consistently.

Latest news from the Los Angeles Lakers

Without LeBron, but with Dončić ready and Davis in good shape, the Lakers are confident in their interior structure and experience. They will look to dominate the paint, set the pace and take advantage of their opponents’ turnovers to run.

Probable starting five and key players

• Point guard: Luka Dončić
• Shooting guard: Austin Reaves
• Small forward: Rui Hachimura
• Power forward: Anthony Davis
• Centre: Deandre Ayton

Dončić will organise and take on the offensive load; Reaves will generate from the dribble; Davis and Ayton will guarantee rebounds and inside points. The bench provides muscle and legs to sustain the defensive intensity.

Current situation

The Lakers are looking to fine-tune their automatisms and try out interior combinations. With Luka managing the ball and Davis dominating the paint, the team can impose its physicality and rhythm without needing LeBron.

Recent matchups between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers

Historically, the Lakers dominate the series, although Phoenix tends to raise its performance at home. In this preseason, they already faced each other with a clear victory for the Suns, but without Dončić or the main starters from L.A. The context is now very different: the Lakers arrive with more weapons and the motivation to even the mini-series.

Summary of key factors in this match

• Pace: more possessions favour Phoenix.
• Rebounding: potential advantage for the Lakers with Davis/Ayton.
• Turnovers: threshold of 12 per team, key to avoiding runs.
• Phoenix three-pointers: if they exceed 36%, the game will be even.
• Dončić’s minutes: determine L.A.’s offensive flow.
• LeBron’s absence: reduces secondary creativity but does not diminish hierarchy.

Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers: our prediction