Devin Booker Exits Early With Groin Injury as Suns Still Roll Past Lakers

Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker was forced to leave Monday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers after suffering a right groin injury in the first quarter, raising immediate concerns for a Suns team that has relied heavily on his scoring and playmaking throughout the early part of the season. Despite his absence, Phoenix secured a 125–108 victory, improving their record to 13–9 and showcasing the team’s growing depth.

Booker left the court with 2:05 remaining in the first quarter after committing an offensive foul. Moments later, Suns training staff guided him to the locker room, and the team soon ruled him out for the remainder of the game. Before exiting, Booker had already logged 11 points and three assists, appearing sharp and aggressive in the opening stretch. It was a disappointing early end to what could have been another standout performance for the three-time All-Star, who entered the night averaging 25.7 points and 6.9 assists in his 11th NBA season—all with the Suns.

A Concerning Pattern of Early-Season Injuries

Booker’s groin issue adds to a growing list of injuries that have impacted Phoenix’s backcourt this season. The Suns have experimented with various lineup combinations as they work to build chemistry within their revamped roster built around Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. Beal himself has appeared in limited games due to a lingering back issue, putting added pressure on Booker to carry the offensive load.

The Suns coaching staff has not yet announced the severity of Booker’s groin injury, nor whether imaging tests will follow. Groin strains can range from minor discomfort to multi-week setbacks, and the Suns’ medical team is likely to approach the situation cautiously. Booker has missed time in past seasons due to hamstring and groin issues, making Monday’s injury all the more worrisome.

Suns Thrive Without Their Star

What made the night especially surprising was Phoenix’s ability to dominate despite losing their primary floor general so early. Kevin Durant stepped up as expected, but the Suns also saw meaningful contributions from role players who have steadily improved throughout the first quarter of the season.

Phoenix’s bench delivered timely scoring bursts, while their defense tightened in the second half—limiting the Lakers’ transition opportunities and forcing them into contested jumpers. The win reflected the Suns’ commitment to building a roster that can sustain competitiveness even when their stars are unavailable.

For head coach Frank Vogel, who returned to face his former team in Los Angeles, Monday’s victory served as a testament to the Suns’ resilience. Vogel has repeatedly emphasized that while Phoenix’s star trio will define their ceiling, it’s the surrounding cast that will determine their consistency.

Lakers Struggle to Capitalize

On the opposite side, the Los Angeles Lakers missed a major opportunity. With Booker out, the Lakers had a golden chance to seize momentum—but instead appeared disjointed and sluggish, especially defensively. LeBron James and Anthony Davis delivered their usual All-Star production, but inconsistent perimeter shooting, turnovers, and lapses in transition defense proved costly.

The Lakers have had an up-and-down start to the season, and losses like Monday’s will only intensify concerns about depth and offensive cohesion. Head coach Darvin Ham has faced pressure in recent weeks as the team continues to search for dependable rotation patterns.

What Booker’s Absence Means Going Forward

If Booker is forced to miss additional time, Phoenix will need to make several tactical adjustments:

More ball-handling duties for Kevin Durant, who has already embraced a larger playmaking role in Beal’s absence.

Increased opportunities for Grayson Allen, Eric Gordon, and Jordan Goodwin, who have all shown flashes of strong offensive capability.

Potential short-term rotation changes, possibly giving extra minutes to younger guards such as Saben Lee if the Suns want to reduce the workload on their veteran scorers.

The Suns’ front office is also monitoring the trade market as the midseason window approaches. With championship expectations looming, Phoenix can’t afford long stretches without its star guards.

Booker’s Role as the Heart of the Franchise

Despite playing alongside elite talents like Durant and Beal, Devin Booker remains the emotional and stylistic centerpiece of the Suns. His midrange mastery, improved playmaking, and leadership set the tone for the team. Phoenix’s offensive rhythm frequently flows through Booker’s ability to collapse defenses and initiate transition opportunities.

Losing him—even for a short stretch—forces Phoenix to fundamentally shift the way it attacks. Durant is capable of Herculean scoring nights, but Booker’s ability to orchestrate the offense is irreplaceable.

Looking Ahead

As the Suns await further evaluation on Booker’s groin injury, the team remains optimistic about its overall trajectory. With a 13–9 record and growing chemistry, Phoenix is inching closer to the form that many predicted when their superstar trio was assembled.

The hope within the organization is that Booker’s injury is minor, allowing him to return quickly and continue what has been an impressive season individually. But until then, the Suns will need to rely on their depth, discipline, and defensive consistency—qualities that were on full display in their win over the Lakers.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.