The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in a big way Wednesday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 119-101 behind a dominant performance from Anthony Davis and a triple-double from LeBron James.
Davis controlled the paint with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while James recorded 16 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in a complete team effort that snapped the Lakers’ three-game losing streak.
While the Lakers leaned on their stars, it was rookie Dalton Knecht who provided a critical spark off the bench. Knecht scored 20 points, connecting on four of his ten attempts from beyond the arc. His timely shooting and aggressive play helped the Lakers hold off several Spurs’ rallies, particularly in the third quarter when the game tightened.
The Spurs entered the contest riding a four-game winning streak, but they struggled to find consistent offense outside of Victor Wembanyama, who posted a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double. Wembanyama showcased his versatility on both ends of the floor, but it wasn’t enough to extend San Antonio’s streak. Harrison Barnes chipped in 19 points, while Julian Champagnie added 18, but the Spurs couldn’t keep pace with Los Angeles in the second half.
Los Angeles took control early, building a 15-point lead in the first half. However, San Antonio clawed back to cut the deficit to eight before halftime. The Lakers’ response? Austin Reaves drilled a clutch three-pointer over Wembanyama as time expired in the second quarter, extending the lead to 58-47 and shifting momentum back in Los Angeles’ favor.
In his return from a five-game absence, Devin Vassell added 14 points for the Spurs. Vassell, who has now made 450 three-pointers in his first 250 career games, provided a much-needed perimeter presence but struggled to regain full rhythm after sitting out with a bruised left knee.
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The turning point came midway through the third quarter when the Spurs trimmed the Lakers’ lead to just four points. Knecht responded with a crucial floater in the lane, then intercepted a pass from Wembanyama and quickly dished the ball to Davis for a fast-break dunk. That sequence pushed the Lakers’ lead back to double digits at 73-63, deflating San Antonio’s comeback hopes.
For the Spurs, the third quarter has been a strength all season—they had won 14 of 18 third quarters entering this matchup. But the Lakers flipped the script, outscoring San Antonio 34-30 in the period and carrying a 92-77 lead into the fourth. Los Angeles’ ability to maintain their composure during the Spurs’ runs was a testament to their veteran leadership and depth.
LeBron James, who struggled in the first half with just four points on 2-for-9 shooting, found his rhythm in the second half. He scored 12 points after the break, including eight in the fourth quarter, where he shot an efficient 4-for-5 from the field. His leadership and playmaking ensured the Lakers never lost control, even when San Antonio threatened to close the gap.
Defensively, the Lakers locked in when it mattered most, forcing 13 turnovers and limiting the Spurs’ transition opportunities. Davis’ presence in the paint deterred San Antonio from attacking inside, while Knecht and Reaves provided energetic perimeter defense.
Despite the loss, Wembanyama continues to impress in his rookie campaign. His ability to impact the game on both ends is undeniable, but the Spurs’ supporting cast will need to step up if they hope to stay competitive in the tightly contested Western Conference.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night in a pivotal NBA Cup matchup. With momentum back on their side, Los Angeles will look to build on this performance and climb the Western Conference standings. The Spurs, on the other hand, will travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, hoping to bounce back and recapture the form that had them on a four-game win streak.
For Los Angeles, this victory was more than just a win—it was a reminder of their potential when Davis, James, and their supporting cast click. If Knecht continues to provide a scoring spark off the bench, the Lakers could be poised for a much-needed midseason surge.