Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn was a liability for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James during Monday’s 109-105 win at Footprint Center.

Dunn, who has said James was a childhood hero of his, chased the future Hall of Famer through screens to contest shots, blocking him at the rim on nights while playing relief defense. That’s a moment the rookie probably won’t forget.

On another play, Dunn fought through a screen and created a James spin in traffic, causing James to lose the ball and forcing a 24-second foul.

Great help defense by #Sunbathing rookie Ryan Dunn, blocking LeBron James and nearly retaining possession: @Sport360AZ @Almighty_ry3 #NBA #NBATwitter #Lakers pic.twitter.com/Q0OlDXUbcM

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) October 29, 2024

James was held to 11 points on 3-for-14 shooting in the loss. He was minus-17 on the floor after dropping 32 points in his last game on Saturday.

Dunn played 15 minutes off the bench in his fourth career NBA game, and he made an immediate impact with seven points, a rebound, a steal and a blocked shot. He has already taken on the challenge against some of the game’s best players after facing Luka Doncic and the Mavericks last weekend.

He and Royce O’Neale were crucial defensively coming off the bench.

Look at Ryan Dunn, man. Just chasing LeBron around like crazy through screens. Rejecting potential switches like “No, I have this.” Great.

(I’m only two quarters in, but I think PHX has been the best of LA’s opponents defensively at the point of attack and off-ball shooting.) pic.twitter.com/RPwc8TGgVT

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 29, 2024

Two of Dunn’s points came in transition after a smooth Euro step to the cup for the reverse layup, with Kevin Durant on the bench mimicking the move.

RYAN DUNN WITH THE EURO pic.twitter.com/l8S7SxMcIs

— Cage (@ridiculouscage) October 29, 2024

Suns complete comeback against Lakers

The Suns had to come back from an 18-point deficit in the first quarter to take the win on Monday, handing Los Angeles its first loss. Both teams are 3-1.

Devin Booker scored 33, while Durant added 30. The bench unit of Dunn, O’Neale and Mason Plumlee stepped up on both ends, including the boards, as the Suns stood behind to assist the comeback.

The Suns also blocked 11 shots and stole the ball seven times on Monday. Durant blocked four shots, while O’Neale added a pair more.

Anthony Davis led Los Angeles with 29 points.

James intentionally missed his second free throw in the final seconds while trailing by two points, but the Suns came away with the ball to finish the job.

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