LeBron cleared for contact; Ayton shines as Lakers edge Spurs
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James has been cleared for full-contact, five-on-five work and will be reevaluated in one to two weeks. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, 40, has missed the opening stretch of the 2025-26 season because of right-side sciatica.
Los Angeles managed to defeat the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday without James and guard Austin Reaves, who sat out with right groin soreness. Luka Doncic struggled from the field but still produced 35 points, 13 assists, five steals, nine rebounds and two blocks.
Center Deandre Ayton added 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, 10 rebounds, two blocks, a steal and no turnovers. His performance helped hold fellow former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama to 19 points on 5-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds and five turnovers before the Spurs rookie fouled out.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart nearly let the game slip away when he committed a turnover with 1.2 seconds remaining. “As a 12-year vet, I can’t make that mistake. I take full ownership of it,” Smart told reporters, adding that his teammates “are going to let me hear about it” but that it will not happen again.
In an interview with ESPN, assistant coach Lindsey Harding expressed her ambition to become the NBA’s first female head coach. Governor Jeanie Buss praised Harding’s knowledge, communication skills and positive energy, acknowledging that other teams may soon pursue her for top jobs.
Source: Hoops Rumors
