SAN ANTONIO, TX — In a defensive masterclass that defied the modern NBA’s obsession with the three-point line, the San Antonio Spurs secured a statement 107-91 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
Despite a historical individual effort from Luka Dončić, the Spurs utilized a balanced attack and suffocating interior defense to leapfrog Los Angeles in the Western Conference standings. The win moves San Antonio (26-11) into the No. 2 seed in the West, while the Lakers (23-12) saw their three-game winning streak come to a grinding halt.
The “Wemby” Factor and a Cold Night from Deep
The Spurs achieved the unthinkable in today’s NBA: winning a marquee matchup while shooting a dismal 4-of-25 (16%) from beyond the arc. The difference-maker was the return of Victor Wembanyama.
After being sidelined for two games with a knee bone bruise, Wembanyama was on a strict minutes restriction but still anchored a defense that held the Lakers to just 91 points. He finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds, punctuating the win with a “night-night” celebration after a late-game flush.
However, the scoring honors went to Keldon Johnson, who exploited the Lakers’ depleted frontline for 27 points. San Antonio’s new-look backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and rookie standout Stephon Castle combined for 29 points, providing the steady hand needed when the long-range shots refused to fall.
LeBron’s “TBD” Future
The headline before tip-off was the absence of LeBron James. At 41 years old, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was a late scratch due to left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica.
The injury management plan for James has become the focal point of the Lakers’ season. Following a 30-point performance the night prior in New Orleans, James was blunt about his availability for back-to-back games:
“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank that answer right now.” — LeBron James
Lakers head coach JJ Redick echoed the sentiment, noting that James’ availability will be determined on a “case-by-case basis” as they prioritize his health for the postseason.
Luka’s Masterclass in a Losing Effort
With LeBron sidelined and starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out with calf strains, the burden fell entirely on Luka Dončić.
Luka responded with a Herculean effort, recording his 86th career triple-double with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, the lack of secondary scoring was evident; only Jake LaRavia (16 pts) and Jaxson Hayes (10 pts) joined him in double figures. New Laker acquisitions Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart struggled to find their rhythm against the Spurs’ length.
