After pulling off arguably the biggest trade heist this century by acquiring Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers have been on a tear for the most part. However, the injury bug has reared its head recently, with LeBron James currently out due to a groin strain while Doncic continues to manage a calf injury that’s caused him to miss significant time this season. Questions about the roster persist as well, especially the glaring hole when it comes to rim protection in the wake of the Anthony Davis-Luka trade. They just stopped a 4-game skid with yesterday’s win over the Phoenix Suns at home. They had dropped those 4 straight games all on a road trip despite a few big games from both Doncic and Austin Reaves as they weather the storm without James.
For the San Antonio Spurs this is a one game road trip, a game that was rescheduled during the time that the Los Angeles wildfires were burning out of control. They’re coming off a win over the similarly-helpless New Orleans Pelicans. Even without James and meh paint protection, the Lakers still have plenty of firepower to run away with a game like this. This will be the Spurs’ first time seeing Doncic in Purple and Gold following the trade that essentially closed the window on San Antonio’s interstate rival the Dallas Mavericks for the foreseeable future.
San Antonio Spurs (28-38) at Los Angeles Lakers (41-25)
March 17 2025 | 9:30 PM CT
Watch: FDSS | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Injuries: Victor Wembanyama, OUT, De’Aaron Fox, finger (OUT), Charles Bassey, knee (OUT)
Lakers Injuries: LeBron James, groin (OUT), Rui Hachimura, knee (day to day), Trey Jemison III, illness (day to day)
What to watch for
- Nearly a month since it happened, the idea that Luka Doncic is a member of the Lakers is still crazy. In 14 games with Los Angeles, Doncic has looked more or less like the do-it-all offensive threat he’s been throughout his career. The shooting percentages are down, but a variety of factors should be considered when looking at where his level of play is currently at. Dallas traded Doncic while he was sidelined with a calf injury and he’s missed a few games with LA as a precaution in dealing with that injury. He’s coming off of 33/11/8 in their win over the Phoenix Suns yesterday.
- Devin Vassell got to the free throw line more times against the Pelicans (going 6/7) than he had in his previous five games combined. He’s averaging just 2 FTAs a game this season, one that’s been bogged down by off-shooting nights and lacking consistent aggression. Learning how to get himself to the foul line could be the next step Vassell needs to take if he’s ever to grow into the premier wing the Spurs think he could be. That ability only comes though with being able to put constant pressure on the defense.
- Austin Reaves has proven himself to be a more than capable option on the offensive end. He functions perfectly in that 3rd banana role behind LeBron and Luka and is more than capable of both taking and making open shots and can comfortably put the ball on the floor and create looks for both himself others. He’s scored 96 total points in his last 3 games, including a 37 point performance in Los Angeles’ loss to the Denver Nuggets last Friday.
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