Home NBA Wembanyama, Vassell, Castle shine as Spurs dominate Lakers

Wembanyama, Vassell, Castle shine as Spurs dominate Lakers

The San Antonio Spurs secured a commanding 126-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, snapping their three-game losing streak. Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and rookie Stephon Castle led the charge for San Antonio, each delivering standout performances.

Wembanyama recorded 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists while showcasing his defensive presence with three steals and two blocks. Vassell matched Wembanyama’s scoring output with 23 points, connecting on five three-pointers. Castle added 23 points of his own, shooting 10-for-16 from the field and contributing two steals.

The Lakers, playing their first game after two postponements caused by devastating wildfires in the region, were unable to sustain their energy in the fourth quarter. The Spurs used a dominant 25-9 run in the first nine minutes of the final period to break open a game that had been tied at the start of the quarter.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 30 points and 13 rebounds, but the team struggled with turnovers, committing 19 overall. LeBron James contributed 18 points, eight assists, and five rebounds but took only 11 shots, marking a season low for the veteran forward.

Harrison Barnes provided crucial support for the Spurs with 17 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul orchestrated the offense with 13 points and 10 assists, while the Spurs bench chipped in with a combined 27 points, highlighted by Keldon Johnson’s 10-point effort.

The Lakers retired Michael Cooper’s No. 21 jersey during a halftime ceremony, honoring the Hall of Fame guard who was instrumental in five championship runs during the Showtime era. Despite the emotional moment, Los Angeles was unable to capitalize on the energy, faltering late against a disciplined Spurs squad.

Michael Cooper's FULL Lakers Jersey Retirement Ceremony

The game marked the Lakers’ third straight loss, dropping their record to 20-17 on the season. San Antonio improved to 19-19, rebounding from their previous struggles with a well-rounded team effort. The Spurs also demonstrated efficiency, shooting 53.3% from the field and converting 85% of their free throws.

Defensively, the Spurs excelled by limiting the Lakers to 44.8% shooting and forcing nine steals. Their balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures, proved too much for Los Angeles, whose bench provided limited production.

The Lakers’ challenging week also included personal hardships, as head coach JJ Redick lost his home to the wildfires. Several players faced evacuation orders, which likely added to the team’s emotional strain. Despite these challenges, the Lakers must now refocus to avoid extending their losing streak further.

Game Recap: Spurs 126, Lakers 102
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