The Los Angeles Lakers stretched their winning streak to five games on Wednesday night, outlasting the San Antonio Spurs 118-116 in a back-and-forth contest at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic returned after missing one game and delivered 35 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds, five steals and two blocks. Although the All-Star guard started cold from the field and went 13-for-17 at the free-throw line, he found his touch as the night progressed and anchored Los Angeles at both ends.
Center Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 10 rebounds, overcoming long stretches matched up against 7-foot-4 rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. Ayton’s rim protection in the second half—including several timely blocks—helped Los Angeles erase a late deficit.
Both clubs entered the meeting short-handed. The Lakers were without LeBron James (rest) and Austin Reaves (ankle), while the Spurs missed Dylan Harper (knee) and Luke Kornet (illness). Even so, the game featured playoff-level intensity from the opening tip.
Wembanyama dominated early, patrolling the paint and challenging nearly every attempt inside. Foul trouble limited him after halftime, allowing Ayton to convert easy looks on pick-and-rolls and second-chance opportunities. Wembanyama still finished with a team-high 28 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.
The closing minutes turned into a duel. With 22 seconds left, Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin banked in a runner to tie it at 116. On the ensuing possession, Doncic drew contact driving left and sank two free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining. San Antonio called timeout, but Keldon Johnson’s contested three at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing the win for Los Angeles.
The victory moves the Lakers to 7-2 on the season, good for second place in the Western Conference. The Spurs drop to 6-3.
Up Next
Los Angeles embarks on a five-game road swing, beginning Friday against the Atlanta Hawks and continuing Monday versus the Charlotte Hornets.
Source: Lakers Nation
