LOS ANGELES — Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs with 23 points and eight rebounds as they secured a commanding victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 126-102 on Monday night. The game marked the Lakers’ return after two postponements due to the devastating wildfires affecting the region. Harrison Barnes also played a key role in the win, contributing 17 points, with 10 of those scored in the critical fourth quarter.
On the other side, the Lakers had Anthony Davis shining brightly, scoring 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while LeBron James added 18 points and eight assists. This matchup was particularly significant as it was the Lakers’ first home game since the tragic wildfires resulted in the loss of at least 24 lives and the destruction of thousands of buildings.
The Lakers’ losing streak extended to three games, as they hadn’t played since last Tuesday in Dallas following two postponed games. Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle each scored 23 points for the Spurs, who were fueled by their strong performance in the fourth quarter, executing a decisive 25-9 run within the first nine minutes after entering the period tied.
In a notable halftime ceremony, the Lakers honored Michael Cooper by retiring his No. 21 jersey, recognizing the Hall of Fame guard’s contributions during the Showtime era, where he won five championships with the team.
Key observations from the game point to the Spurs’ determined comeback following a series of losses and a period of rest. Despite a challenging week where coach JJ Redick faced the loss of his home and some players dealt with evacuation alerts, the Lakers struggled to match the Spurs’ intensity, particularly in the final quarter.
A pivotal moment occurred as San Antonio finished the third quarter with a 15-5 run, beginning the fourth with another 12-5 surge, which allowed them to take a 101-94 lead. Additionally, one significant statistic stood out: James took a season-low of 11 shots, equal to what teammate Max Christie attempted, and three fewer than Austin Reaves—a combination that does not typically bode well for the Lakers’ success.
Looking ahead, the Spurs will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, while the Lakers will face off against the Miami Heat in their next matchup.
