Luka Doncic Praises Short-Handed Lakers After 107-91 Loss to Spurs
luka-doncic-proud-of-lakers-effort-loss-spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped a 107-91 decision to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, Jan. 7, 2026, at Frost Bank Center, ending the second half of a back-to-back without several key contributors. Despite the setback, forward-guard Luka Doncic recorded 38 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and later commended his undermanned teammates for their effort.
Los Angeles entered the contest without Austin Reaves, sidelined for at least a month by a calf injury, and LeBron James, who was ruled out with left foot joint arthritis and sciatica. The depleted rotation managed to keep pace through two quarters before San Antonio’s defense tightened after halftime.
The Spurs, one of the NBA’s top defensive units, forced seven turnovers from Doncic and limited the Lakers to 14-for-22 at the foul line, while the Dallas superstar himself went 10-for-16. Los Angeles faded in the third and fourth quarters, finishing the night shooting 38 percent from the field.
“I’m really proud of every guy that stepped on the floor,” Doncic told Spectrum SportsNet. “Obviously we hate losing, but everybody that left the court today should be feeling proud.”
Although his box-score line stood out, Doncic pointed to the team’s missed opportunities. “I still thought I should’ve been way better,” he said, citing missed free throws and turnovers. “We had some great looks too; we couldn’t knock them down.”
The Lakers return to Crypto.com Arena on Friday to face the Milwaukee Bucks, hoping to be closer to full strength. Doncic noted he continues to learn from James, saying their brief time as teammates has already been invaluable.
Source: LakersNation.com
