The Los Angeles Lakers edged the San Antonio Spurs 118–116 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night, improving to 7–2 behind Luka Doncic’s 35-point performance and a strong two-way effort from Deandre Ayton.
Ayton finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, marking his third double-double of the season. After the game, he highlighted how the team’s collective focus carried them through a difficult contest.
“It took togetherness, not getting deflated by the environment,” Ayton said. “Things weren’t going our way, but we stayed solid. It was a free throw type of game, and that’s what it comes down to when two great teams play.”
Despite shooting just 44.6% from the field, the Lakers relied on their defense to close out the game. They forced 19 turnovers and held San Antonio to under 40% shooting. Ayton credited head coach JJ Redick for instilling a championship mindset early in the season.
“I’ll give my hats off to JJ,” Ayton said. “He’s been the same guy since I got here—drilling that championship mentality, championship shape, championship communication. It’s contagious.”
The Lakers trailed by as many as nine in the third quarter before a fast-break alley-oop from Doncic to Ayton shifted momentum. “That was a defensive stop,” Ayton said. “Luka threw the ball in, and I just ran with him. That’s our main point—turning defense into offense.”
The frontcourt pairing of Ayton and Rui Hachimura proved crucial as Los Angeles limited Victor Wembanyama to 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Marcus Smart and Nick Smith Jr. added key support, helping the Lakers withstand San Antonio’s late push.
When asked about playing through foul trouble, Ayton pointed to trust in team defense. “That’s something I’ve been wanting to show—being able to guard one or two dribbles before my help comes,” he said. “They trust me to be out there, and I’m comfortable knowing my help’s coming.”
Ayton also admitted that the pregame atmosphere added extra motivation. With members of the Los Angeles Dodgers in attendance, he said their presence heightened the energy in the building. “Seeing the Dodgers walk in, it put a little pressure on me,” he said with a smile. “But it was great to put on for the fans and leave them home happy.”
Los Angeles now prepares for a road matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, while the Spurs head home to face the Houston Rockets on Friday.
