The Phoenix Suns may have only played three games of the regular season, but they already have a rematch with the Los Angeles Lakers lined up. For those keeping score at home, this is also the fourth game between the two, although two of those clashes took place in the previous season.

The Suns’ only loss so far this season was at the hands of the Lakers, and it came in a manner that certainly left a sour taste in the mouth. The lead of 22 points that had already built up in the second quarter was lost unnecessarily. The return to isolation, offensive play and the lack of attention to basketball are two of the main reasons for this. We’ve been here before.

Due to Achilles tendon pain and personal reasons, Allen has only been able to play in one game so far. This came at a less than ideal time for the Suns as they worked to integrate Allen into their second unit. Credit, however, goes to rookie Ryan Dunn, who made excellent use of his opportunity as Bradley Beal is out for the second game in a row and may be back in the starting lineup.

Royce O’Neale is another player who stepped up in Allen’s absence at the start of the season and is now effectively the team’s sixth man until Allen can wrest the title back from him. But signing Allen gives head coach Mike Budenholzer several new ways to hurt the Lakers, and his return comes at the perfect time.

From an obvious standpoint, Allen will ensure the Suns hit even more 3-pointers than they already had earlier this season. His shooting percentage of 46.1 percent led the league last year – and with the team taking about six more shots from distance each night to bring the team total to about 38, this is the perfect marriage of players and system.

Less obvious – but certainly just as important – is the way Allen can ensure the Suns have a different lineup to do damage to the Lakers and other non-bench opponents. He put on a lot of muscle over the summer, and now there’s an opportunity to use him as a small forward alongside players like Dunn and Kevin Durant.

Physically, he can hold his own against the likes of Rui Hachimura, allowing coach Budenholzer to put together groups of players that former leader Frank Vogel couldn’t do last season. That new physicality — along with the athleticism and underrated defense that’s always been there — will be a big boost once Allen plays a string of games.

In reality, though, the Suns are simply a better and stronger team from top to bottom when he’s part of the rotation. He plays on both ends of the court and was the Suns’ third best and most important player last season behind Durant and Devin Booker. His availability rightfully gives the Suns a better chance in this game.