It took four games, but the Lakers are finally in the win column.

LeBron James got his elusive first win with his newest team as the Lakers torched the Suns 131-113. James put up 19 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in the victory, but he got plenty of help from his teammates.

Six other Lakers hit double figures with Lance Stephenson’s 23 points leading the way. Stephenson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope lifted the Lakers off the bench with 37 points combined.

After shooting 28.7 percent from three-point range through the first three games, the Lakers were able to convert on 35.7 percent of their threes against Phoenix. Josh Hart, who was inserted into the starting lineup, led the way with a 4-6 clip from deep.

The Lakers outplayed the Suns with pace, attempting 100 shots to Phoenix’s 84 in the contest. This resulted in eight extra baskets for Los Angeles. Head Coach Luke Walton has stated that he wants the team to play fast this season. So far, the Lakers have executed that approach.

Defensively, Los Angeles was able to limit Phoenix’s secondary scorers. DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker were able to get their buckets, but the Suns’ young stars found little support from their fellow teammates. The Lakers also forced the Suns into 20 turnovers.

The Lakers suffered three close defeats to start the season, but this wasn’t a “must-win” game for Los Angeles. James has always faced an adjustment period when he has changed teams. Here’s how James’ new teams fared in their first season with the King.

Team	Started	Final Record
2010-11 Heat	9-8	58-24
2014-15 Cavaliers	20-20	53-29

 

It’s reasonable to expect the Lakers to take an even longer time to gel, given the lack of established stars on the team. Both the Heat and Cavaliers had two additional stars on the roster, while the Lakers are integrating James into a group of young players yet to hit their full potential.

In a tight Western conference, the Lakers will need to make sure they don’t fall too far behind in the standings before making a big run. Given James’ history with his new teams, that run will eventually come.