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The Gorilla pumps up the crowd at Phoenix Suns Arena during Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 1, 2021.

After losing the NBA Finals last month, the Phoenix Suns are beginning Las Vegas Summer League play Sunday.

While star players like Devin Booker and Chris Paul won’t be playing, Summer League is a way for teams to develop young talent, like Phoenix’s 2020 draft pick Jalen Smith.

“Pretty much just being on the bench all season, that’s just the one thing you wanna do is just hoop, and I feel as though that’s what Summer League is for. Just having fun and just playing the game, and then obviously working on myself and just continuing to elevate my skills,” Smith said.

Smith didn’t see much playing time during the Suns’ playoff run but says he hopes to contribute in a big way in his second season.

The Suns face off against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday at 7:30 p.m.