Anthony Davis delivered an impressive performance with 40 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-115 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This game marked the Lakers’ opening defense of their Emirates NBA Cup title on Friday night.
LeBron James also impressed with a stat line of 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, achieving his fourth consecutive triple-double—a personal milestone in his career. Meanwhile, Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama put on a strong showing as well, contributing 28 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Wembanyama had just come off a career-high 50-point game earlier in the week.
Davis’ performance stood out as he shot 14 of 26 from the field, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc. Other notable contributors for the Lakers included Austin Reaves with 19 points, Dalton Knecht with 14 points, and D’Angelo Russell adding 13 points.
The game had a dramatic start, with San Antonio jumping to an 11-0 lead, highlighted by a spectacular alley-oop dunk from Wembanyama. However, the Lakers responded with Davis’ strong play, closing the first quarter on a 21-8 run to take a narrow 31-30 lead.
In a tightly contested match, the turning point came when Paul was called for an offensive foul while attempting to set a screen. This turnover allowed LeBron James to score, extending the Lakers’ lead to 118-115 in the final moments of the game.
Notably, the Lakers showcased their prowess in rebounding, gaining a 15-6 advantage in second-chance points, which was crucial to their victory.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, completing a back-to-back series, while the Spurs will play against the Dallas Mavericks and then return home for a three-game stretch.
In summary, this game not only highlighted the Lakers’ star players but also set the stage for an exciting season as they defend their title. With both Davis and James performing at such high levels, the Lakers are in a strong position moving forward. This matchup serves as a reminder of the thrilling moments that make NBA season so captivating for fans.