UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers faced a shocking defeat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, falling 132-119 to the San Antonio Spurs on December 6, 2023. With a potential cash prize of $530,000 per player and a chance for their second Cup championship in three years, this loss has raised urgent questions about their postseason viability.
The Spurs dominated the game, exposing the Lakers’ weak perimeter defense, which ranks among the bottom five in the league, allowing opponents a staggering 38.2% from beyond the arc. San Antonio capitalized, hitting 17-of-38 three-pointers (44.7%) and leading by as many as 24 points during the elimination match.
Throughout the game, the Spurs’ guards consistently penetrated the paint, forcing the Lakers into a defensive corner. San Antonio converted 29-of-36 free throws, while the Lakers managed only 17-of-23. In a season where L.A. had started strong at 17-7, this loss starkly mirrored earlier defeats that raised alarms about their defensive capabilities.
“They were just going downhill, driving and kick,”
said Luka Doncic, who scored 35 points but could not hide the Lakers’ defensive struggles. Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the challenges of managing expectations in such a storied franchise, emphasizing the emotional weight of sports and the tendency for fans and analysts to overreact.
Rich Paul, the agent for LeBron James, stirred controversy earlier this week by stating on his podcast, “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul,” that he doubts the Lakers are built for a long postseason run. He remarked, “I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference finals,” a sentiment that now looms larger after this latest defeat.
In response to the playoff concerns, James, who recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, downplayed the significance of the NBA Cup on their postseason outlook. “I can’t think about what we can do in the playoffs in December,” he asserted, stressing the importance of building good habits during the regular season.
Despite the setback, the Lakers’ spirit remains unbroken. Austin Reaves stated, “The spirit’s still high in here. We know we can do it,” but he acknowledged the need for improved defensive cohesion. James echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the team to operate as a unified defensive unit.
As the Lakers regroup, they must address their defensive shortcomings quickly. With the Spurs winning their twelfth straight game despite the absence of star player Victor Wembanyama, the pressure is on L.A. to find solutions before their next matchup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Lakers can rebound from this significant defeat, a pivotal moment that could determine their trajectory as the season progresses.
What comes next for the Lakers? They must now focus on tightening their defense and harnessing their offensive capabilities as they prepare for the challenges ahead. If improvements aren’t made swiftly, Rich Paul’s concerns may prove to be more than mere speculation.
