Overview
- The Lakers scratched LeBron James with left foot arthritis, his 18th missed game, alongside Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain), Austin Reaves (calf management) and Marcus Smart (ankle), with Deandre Ayton also out.
- San Antonio beat Los Angeles 136-108 as Victor Wembanyama posted 40 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes, including 25 in the first quarter and 37 by halftime.
- The depleted Lakers were outrebounded 45-34 and committed 17 turnovers, exposing depth issues on the second night of a back-to-back.
- James’ DNP ends his record 21-season run of All‑NBA selections, as he cannot reach the 65-game threshold for award eligibility.
- Coach JJ Redick framed the absences as injury management and called Dončić’s hamstring strain mild and day-to-day, leaving open a possible return before the All‑Star break as L.A. falls to 32-21.