Devin Booker, Bradley Beal Won't Play vs Lakers
PHOENIX - It's nearly time for tip-off on the Phoenix Suns' preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers, though the team will be without two major players.
According to AZ Central's Duane Rankin, the Suns will not see Devin Booker (rest) and Bradley Beal (back) in tonight's action. Instead, Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon will take their place.
"I talked to each one of them. I said, 'tell me what's the best environment for you to get ready for next Tuesday' and initially it was for all three of them to play," said Vogel ahead of the game.
"Book ultimately decided that rest would be better for tonight and Brad is dealing with some tightness in his back."
The Suns begin their regular season on Oct. 24 with a road date against the Golden State Warriors, and Booker has already proved he looks fully prepared for the 82-game slate ahead.
Earlier this preseason, Booker spoke about the team's star trio of himself, Beal and Kevin Durant, who all looked strong in their last outing against the Portland Trail Blazers:
“I think the unique part about us three (Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant) that we all have the capability of scoring at the highest level, but we have always played the game the right way. Even when we were kind of not on our own teams but different teams, we still continued to play the game the right way. It hasn’t been an adjustment, for real. Only thing I tell them is to be more aggressive. Then that will open things up for everyone else.”
Beal previously missed action with a back injury and is being rested as a precaution.
After two road games to begin the season, the Suns have their home opener on Saturday, Oct. 28 against the Utah Jazz.
