UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers faced a shocking 132-119 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on December 6, 2023, raising urgent questions about their playoff viability. With a potential $530,000 cash prize per player on the line, the Lakers were thoroughly outclassed, exposing serious flaws in their defensive strategy.
The Spurs capitalized on the Lakers’ struggling perimeter defense, shooting 44.7% from three-point range, hitting 17-of-38 attempts, while leading by as many as 24 points in a must-win game. The Lakers, who rank in the bottom five for opponents’ three-point percentage at 38.2%, struggled to contain the Spurs’ guards, who frequently penetrated the paint, leading to a staggering 29-for-36 performance at the foul line for San Antonio, compared to L.A.’s 17-for-23.
Despite an impressive 17-7 start to their season, this loss echoed earlier defeats, raising alarms as Rich Paul, agent for superstar LeBron James, expressed doubts about the Lakers’ ability to contend for the championship on his new podcast. “I don’t think they have enough to really contend,” Paul stated, adding fuel to the fire of fan concerns.
In response, LeBron James dismissed the implications of this loss for their playoff potential, emphasizing the importance of building good habits throughout the regular season. “I can’t think about what we can do in the playoffs in December,” James said after contributing 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists in the loss.
Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the emotional nature of sports and the tendency for overreactions, but also noted a collective recognition of their defensive shortcomings. “Each one of us got to be better,” said Luka Doncic, who scored 35 points for the Spurs, further highlighting the Lakers’ struggles. Redick pointed out the need for better basketball containment, stating, “I think being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now.”
As the Lakers reflect on this crushing defeat, they must urgently address their defensive issues to regain momentum. The Spurs, meanwhile, celebrate their twelfth consecutive win, even without star player Victor Wembanyama, sidelined with a calf strain.
The Lakers now face pressure to improve and unify defensively; otherwise, Paul’s assessment may prove more accurate than they hope. “The spirit’s still high in here. We know we can do it,” said Austin Reaves. “But we have to be a group that guards with five people.”
As the NBA Cup continues, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see if they can rebound from this devastating loss and find their footing as the playoffs approach.
