Lakers (23–11) vs. Spurs (25–11) | Game 35 of 82
Where to Watch and What Time
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 7
Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. PST
Location: Frost Bank Center — San Antonio, TX
TV: ESPN, Spectrum SportsNet
Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
Game Preview
The Lakers close out a two-game road swing and a back-to-back on Wednesday night with a Western Conference measuring-stick matchup against the San Antonio Spurs in Los Angeles' first game this season at the Frost Bank Center.
The Lakers enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak after a composed 111–103 fourth-quarter win over the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday night.
Luka Dončić and LeBron James each scored 30 points, lifting L.A. to another crunch-time victory and improving L.A. to 23–11 on the season and 13–0 in clutch games.
James, who has yet to play in back-to-back games this season, is questionable against the Spurs, as he was added to the injury report with right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis.
While the Lakers handled a bottom-standing Pelicans team, the challenge ramps up more with the Spurs next on the schedule, as the series is split at 1-1 between the teams.
San Antonio sits at 25–11 with the third-best record in the West and has been one of the league’s most consistent teams on both ends of the floor with a mix of speed, explosiveness and a strong defensive identity around rising stars Victor Wembanyama (24.3 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 2.9 bpg) and Stephon Castle (17.9 ppg) and aged vets De'Aaron Fox (21.7 ppg) and Harrison Barnes.
Defense remains a focal point for the Lakers. During their recent homestand, L.A. struggled to contain dribble penetration and interior scoring, allowing 62 points in the paint per game across their previous five contests (2nd worst).
They showed improvement in New Orleans, holding the No. 1 paint scoring team to 52 points inside and 17 fourth-quarter points.
Offensively, the Lakers continue to build around the growing chemistry between Dončić and James. The two closed Tuesday’s win with repeated two-man actions, combining downhill pressure with shot-making that broke New Orleans’ hopes late.
The Spurs are 12-5 at home and are coming off two straight losses following a one-point loss against the Grizzlies on Tuesday.
Notable Opponent Ranks Among the NBA
The Spurs have the 6th-rated (117.6) offense and the 8th-rated (112.4) defense in the NBA. Here are some notable (good and meh) rankings of where they sit among the league.
San Antonio currently sits:
2nd best rebounding team in the NBA (46.5 per contest)
8th in points a game (119.3)
9th in FG% (47.7%)
19th in 3P% (35.3%)
Injury Report
Gabe Vincent was removed from the injury report and will make his return after a nine-game absence.
Lakers:
Austin Reaves (left calf strain): Out
LeBron James (right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis): Questionable
Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness): Out
Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain): Out
Spurs:
Devin Vassell missed Tuesday's game against Memphis and could be questionable or magically healthy against the Lakers.
Devin Vassell (adductor strain): Questionable
Threads for the Game
The Lakers will rock their traditional gold unis on the road, while the Spurs will wear their black uniforms.
Next Matchup
The Lakers have Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks next up on Friday, back at home.