UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers faced a shocking 132-119 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs on December 6, 2023, in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. This loss not only knocks them out of contention for the tournament but also raises serious questions about their defensive capabilities as they chase a second championship in three years.
The stakes were high for the Lakers: a $530,000 cash prize per player was on the line. However, the Spurs exploited L.A.’s weak perimeter defense, allowing them to shoot 44.7% from three-point range, hitting 17-of-38 attempts. The Lakers trailed by as many as 24 points, showcasing their struggles on both ends of the court.
L.A.’s defense crumbled under pressure, allowing San Antonio’s guards to penetrate the paint at will. The Spurs capitalized on this, converting 29-of-36 free throws compared to the Lakers’ 17-of-23, highlighting a critical disparity in execution during crucial moments. San Antonio also scored a season-high 35 points in transition, underscoring L.A.’s defensive lapses.
These struggles come amid concerns voiced by Rich Paul, the agent for star player LeBron James. In a recent podcast, Paul stated he doubts the Lakers are built for a deep playoff run, saying, “I don’t think they have enough to really contend.” However, James, who recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists in the loss, dismissed such worries as premature. “I can’t think about what we can do in the playoffs in December,” he stressed.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the emotional nature of being part of such a storied franchise, acknowledging the weight of public opinion on the team’s performance. “It’s hard not to have overreactions,” Redick remarked. Nevertheless, there was a consensus among players regarding the urgent need to improve defensively. Luka Doncic, who scored 35 points for the Spurs, noted, “Each one of us got to be better.”
James emphasized the importance of team cohesion, stating that “five guys being on a string” is essential for defensive success. The Lakers’ next steps will involve serious self-reflection and a commitment to tightening their defense as they move forward in the season.
The Spurs, meanwhile, celebrated their 12th consecutive win, all without their star Victor Wembanyama, who is sidelined with a calf strain. The Lakers, lacking a similar standout defensive presence, must rally quickly to avoid further criticism and get back on track.
As the defeat lingers, the Lakers will need to address their defensive shortcomings immediately if they hope to reclaim their championship aspirations. The coming weeks will be critical for L.A. as they aim to build the necessary habits for a successful postseason run.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Lakers look to rebound from this tough loss and refocus ahead of their next matchup.
