The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their first game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, 99-90. The Lakers, who came in Sunday’s game with a six-game winning streak, lost the game plan battle as well.

LA couldn't buy a basketball, and it didn’t help that their star player Anthony Davis was outplayed by Deandre Ayton. Are these worrying signs? Probably not yet, but here’s what the Lakers should note after the disappointing Game 1 loss:

4. Where is AD?

After stating that it’s a must win game, Davis was nowhere to be found—at least game impact wise. Davis is shooting 20.5 percent from three since returning from injury in April, which isn't a great sign considering that he lingers in the 3-point area a lot.

LeBron James and Davis only combined for 31 points, 12 assists and 37.9 percent shooting on Sunday’s game, an underwhelming performance based on their standards. 

To add insult to injury, Ayton outrebounded Davis on Sunday, which is completely bizarre for Laker fans. Davis simply needs to be better and it’s good that he himself admitted this after the game. The Lakers and Davis both have to find ways for him to get his offensive rhythm going, counter post-ups and just get the system around him going. The team was outscored (30-16) in the 11:19 of AD-led units while James was on the bench. 

No, the blame shouldn’t go to Andre Drummond because most of the 30-16 run was when the buyout center was on the bench. Davis and the Lakers have a lot of work to do for them to beat this feisty and well-coached Suns team. 

3. Rotations and game plan 

The Lakers’ best lineup (net rating wise) in the regular season is the combination of Dennis Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, James, Davis and Gasol. So where was Gasol all game? Nowhere to be found. Sure, Gasol might not help defensively, but his playmaking is something the defending champions could really use, especially when James is on the bench. 

The question entering Game 2 is if Frank Vogel makes the right adjustments. Remember, the coach on the other side is as excellent as him when it comes to making roster tweaks, so there’s less room for error in this series.

Vogel’s plan entering Sunday’s game was the normal tactics the Lakers use every game, while the Suns had entered the game with a specific game plan for the Purple and Gold. There’s a huge disparity between both teams and the one most prepared came out with the victory on Sunday. 

2. This could be a “feel out” game but with less margin for error

A LeBron team is always associated with losing the first game of the series. James himself will admit that he uses these first games to analyze what his opponents have up on their sleeves. The thing here is, unlike their first round opponents in the past, this Suns team is legit and well coached; hence why this first loss is a cause for concern. 

What happened on Sunday could be compared to what the Lakers went through against the Blazers in last year’s playoffs. The Lakers had a poor shooting night, only hitting 26.9 percent from three along with missed free throws and shots. That’s not going to get it done. Fortunately for the Lakers, they only lost by nine points after this abysmal performance, and while moral victories are not a thing, this is still a good sign.

The Lakers simply just need to come out with a better game plan. It’s clear that James isn't 100 percent, Davis was nowhere to be found, and the role players just couldn’t find their rhythm in this game. However, their margin for error is less against a hungry Suns team. Tuesday’s game is a must-win for this Lakers squad and it’s going to be a grind. 

1. The Physicality of Chris Paul and his team

It’s only the first game, but this was a chippy one already. Paul, who went to the locker room because of a shoulder injury, was accused by many fans (and even Vogel) of doing a little too much to hurt James.

It also doesn’t help that Jae Crowder, who played for the Heat and hurt James last finals, is also on this Suns team. 

The Lakers need to be ready for the physicality and maybe even the annoying antics of this Suns team. If this series got chippy in the first game alone, expect the same vibe throughout the series. LA has to be just as physical, especially when dealing with players like Paul and Crowder.