Lakers rally past Spurs in LeBron’s return.
The Lakers rallied past the Spurs despite almost surrendering a 20-point lead with a 34–20 third quarter, beating San Antonio 105–94 behind another big game from Anthony Davis and the return of LeBron to improve their record to 6–11.
“That 34 points coming out of halftime is very extreme," said head coach Darvin Ham. “It’s something we’ve been struggling with all year. We can’t take our foot off the gas.”
Despite the win, the Lakers' struggles continued, shooting 29% (8-for-27) from three and allowing 20 offensive rebounds. For the Lakers' sake, it was against one of the most struggling (lottery) teams in the NBA.
After a five-game absence due to a left adductor strain, the Lakers were happy to welcome LeBron James back to the lineup in Friday’s win.
“I think it was really good for us,” said Anthony Davis on LeBron’s return. “It looked like he felt good out there, and hopefully, he continues to feel good, and he’ll be out there for us tomorrow.”
In 33 minutes, LeBron finished with 21 points on 47% (8-for-17) shooting from the floor, adding 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block.
“There’s a strong possibility I’ll play tomorrow,” said LeBron when asked about his status for tomorrow’s game. “I just sat out two weeks. I’m good”
With LeBron back in the lineup, Anthony Davis’ production would inevitably drop slightly. Still, the Lakers’ dominance remained thanks to the big man, who finished with another monster double-double night.
“AD was the best player in the league in the last four or five games. Just his numbers and productivity on both sides of the floor,” said LeBron.
Davis finished the game with a game-high 25 points on 77% shooting (10-for-13), adding 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal in 35 minutes of action.
Making his return back to San Antonio, Lonnie Walker IV felt great appreciation for the tribute video the Spurs made for him, the team that drafted him into the league in 2018 with the 18th pick.
“Very emotional. I’m still kind of emotional. Being back home,” said Walker IV on his return. “There is no revenge with this team, it’s nothing but family.”
Walker IV finished third on the team in scoring with 18 points, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds in 33 minutes.
With a 6–11 record, the Lakers are fortunate to be playing the Spurs in the next couple of days before a six-game road stretch in December against some of the top teams in the East.
The Lakers play the Spurs again tomorrow, at the same time and same place, in their second game of a back-to-back against San Antonio, at 5:00 PM on Spectrum SportsNet.
