The Los Angeles Lakers secured their fifth straight victory on Wednesday night, slipping past the San Antonio Spurs 118-116 at Crypto.com Arena, but a final-second inbound misstep nearly changed the outcome.
With 1.2 seconds remaining and the Lakers holding a two-point lead, guard Marcus Smart was set to inbound following a Kelly Olynyk basket. Instead, officials whistled the 12-year veteran for stepping over the baseline before releasing the pass, handing possession back to San Antonio.
On the ensuing play, Lakers forward Jake LaRavia fouled Spurs guard Julian Champagnie, who went to the line for two potential game-tying free throws. Champagnie missed both attempts, allowing Los Angeles to escape with the win.
After the game, Smart accepted fault for the error. “I can’t make that mistake,” he said. “I take full ownership of it. My teammates are going to joke with me, but it will never happen again.”
The Lakers pulled off the victory without LeBron James and Austin Reaves, adding to a growing list of short-handed wins this season. Center Deandre Ayton recorded his second consecutive double-double and credited the result to the team’s cohesion. “Togetherness,” Ayton said. “We stayed together even when calls weren’t going our way.”
The win moves Los Angeles to five consecutive triumphs as the club continues to navigate early-season injuries.
Source: Lakers Nation
