UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers have faced an urgent defensive crisis following a 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on December 6, 2023. With $530,000 at stake for each player and a chance for the franchise’s second Cup championship in just three years, this defeat has raised significant concerns about the team’s ability to contend.
The Spurs capitalized on the Lakers’ struggling perimeter defense, which ranks among the bottom five in the league with a 38.2% opponent 3-point shooting percentage. San Antonio hit 17-of-38 three-pointers, marking an impressive 44.7% shooting from beyond the arc, while leading by as many as 24 points during the elimination game.
In addition to their outside shooting, the Spurs dominated in the paint, forcing the Lakers into a foul-heavy game. San Antonio converted 29-for-36 from the free-throw line compared to L.A.’s 17-for-23. The Spurs also thrived in transition, scoring a season-high 35 points, the most allowed by the Lakers in a game this season, according to GeniusIQ.
This loss comes just two days after Rich Paul, the agent for Lakers star LeBron James, expressed doubts about the team’s postseason potential. On his podcast, Paul stated, “I don’t think they have enough to really contend,” casting a shadow over the team’s aspirations.
LeBron James, however, dismissed the playoff talk as premature. After the game, he emphasized, “I can’t think about what we can do in the playoffs in December. The habits we build throughout the regular season are what’s important.” James finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, underscoring his ongoing commitment despite the team’s struggles.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the emotional nature of being part of such a storied franchise, stating, “It’s hard not to have overreactions.” Postgame comments reflected a consensus on the need for improvement, particularly on defense. Luka Doncic, who scored 35 points for the Spurs, noted, “Each one of us got to be better.”
Redick highlighted the necessity of containing the basketball, stating, “That’s probably the most difficult thing for our team right now.” In response, James pointed out the importance of “five guys being on a string,” emphasizing the need for cohesive communication on defense.
Meanwhile, the Spurs celebrated their twelfth consecutive victory, even in the absence of their star player Victor Wembanyama, sidelined with a calf strain. As the Lakers grapple with their defensive woes, they must address these issues swiftly, or face the possibility that Paul’s comments may prove to be more than just speculation.
Austin Reaves remained optimistic, stating, “The spirit’s still high in here. We know we can do it, but we have to be a group that guards with five people.” The urgency for the Lakers to tighten their defense is palpable as they prepare for their next challenges in the season.
