Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick admitted his team had no answer for Victor Wembanyama after the San Antonio Spurs forward poured in 40 points—37 of them before halftime—during Tuesday night’s 132-108 win at Crypto.com Arena.
The Feb. 10 contest marked the third meeting of the season between the clubs, but it was the first in which Wembanyama dictated play from the opening tip. He had been limited to a combined 35 points in the previous two matchups.
Redick explained that the Lakers, who were without their entire starting lineup, failed to execute the defensive coverages that had worked earlier in the year. He noted that Wembanyama attacked the rim and launched three-pointers “without hesitation,” establishing control at both ends of the court.
The Lakers generated little inside offense, finishing the first half just 2-for-5 at the rim. Redick pointed out that San Antonio’s rim protection, anchored by the 22-year-old French star, forced Los Angeles into 14 mid-range attempts before the break.
Calling Wembanyama “one of the five best players in the world,” Redick highlighted the forward’s defensive impact, which he said often goes beyond the box score. He credited Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney for building a scheme that revolves around the 7-foot-4 centerpiece.
While Redick acknowledged that the Lakers will have to contend with Wembanyama for years to come, he said his current focus is finding ways to slow the budding superstar as the Western Conference grows more competitive with teams such as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and perennial contender Denver Nuggets.
In other Lakers news, LeBron James is ineligible for this season’s regular-season awards after missing too many games, a contrast to Wembanyama, who is expected to remain a fixture in award conversations.
Source: Lakers Nation
