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The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 132-119 on December 10, 2025, in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup at the Crypto.com Arena.
This high-scoring game showcased the Spurs’ offensive balance and perimeter shooting against a Lakers team that struggled defensively despite the strong individual efforts of its stars. The Spurs shot 50% from the field (43/86) and 44.7% from three-point range (17/38), dominating free throws (29/36 to the Lakers’ 17/23) and scoring off the bench (48-31).
The Lakers matched the Spurs in field goal percentage (43), but were outpaced in transition (24-15 on fast breaks) and turnovers (18 on fast breaks, resulting in 11 Spurs points). Key players:
Spurs: Stephon Castle shone with 30 points (21 in the second half), 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 10-for-14 from the field in just 27 minutes, in his second game back from a hip injury. De’Aaron Fox added 20 points, Keldon Johnson 17 points and 8 rebounds, and seven Spurs players reached double figures overall, showcasing their depth.
Luka Dončić led the way with 35 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds (11-for-24 from the field), while Marcus Smart had a season-high 26 points, going 8-for-13 from three-point range. LeBron James added 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, nearly achieving a triple-double. Austin Reaves chipped in with 15 points but struggled early (0-for-6 in the first half).
The game saw five lead changes and two ties early on, but the Spurs pulled ahead with a 34-29 third quarter, extending their lead to double digits for most of the final three quarters. Victor Wembanyama (calf) missed his 12th consecutive game with San Antonio, but they still shone without him.
This stunning victory solidified the Spurs’ status as a rising powerhouse in the West. Castle’s standout performance, which earned him the 2025 Rookie of the Year award in his second year, underscored San Antonio’s excellent scouting and development of young talent.
His efficient offense (132 points on 50% shooting) exposed the vulnerabilities of the Lakers’ perimeter defense, which has been questionable all season. For the Lakers, the loss highlighted persistent problems with bench production and transition defense, allowing a Spurs team that has won 9 of 12 games to dictate the pace.
LeBron James noted after the game that it’s “too early” for deep playoff discussions, but the loss adds pressure amid their third defeat in 12 games.
For the Spurs: Advancement to the NBA Cup semifinals on December 13 in Las Vegas against the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder (24-1). A win there could propel them to the final on December 16, boosting the morale and momentum of a team aiming for a postseason challenge against OKC. It also validates their depth without Wembanyama, which could facilitate his return.
For the Lakers: Elimination from the NBA Cup, forcing a makeup game to replace their tournament spot, now scheduled against the Phoenix Suns on December 14 (previously scheduled for December 15). This adds fatigue to an already tight schedule, with no rest before facing Phoenix again on Sunday, December 14.
Roster-wise, it intensifies calls for lineup adjustments, as their stars were unable to surpass the 132 points allowed. Fans and analysts pointed to officiating frustrations (for example, careless fouls that favored San Antonio early on, according to X’s discussions), but systematic defensive lapses were the primary issue.
Overall, the NBA result sets up the crucial semifinals (Spurs-Thunder and Knicks-Magic), emphasizing the Cup’s role in testing contenders. For the West, it confirms San Antonio’s legitimacy as a surprise team, while the Lakers’ early elimination raises questions about their potential without significant adjustments.
The Spurs’ victory proves they are not just a young team, but a potential playoff threat, capable of exploiting elite defenses like the Lakers’.
Castle’s emergence as a star in every sense (scoring efficiency, rebounding, and playmaking) positions San Antonio for a strong run in the Cup and reinforces their status as a top-four contender in the West.
On the other hand, the Lakers’ elimination exposes persistent weaknesses: an over-reliance on Dončić and James, poor perimeter defense (allowing 17 three-pointers by the Spurs), and inconsistent scoring off the bench.
With a 20-9 record entering the game, they remain contenders, but this loss (reminiscent of previous high-profile upsets) underscores the urgency of making changes—possibly trades for size, shooting, or defenders—before the playoffs. As one X user summed it up: “Defense wins games,” and until Los Angeles tackles theirs, more nights like this are to be expected.
