Lakers focus on reeling D, not playoff talk, after loss to Spurs

LOS ANGELES — Real stakes are at stake Lakers In the NBA Cup quarterfinals—a $530,000 per player cash prize and its second performance-based Cup championship in three years—Los Angeles was thoroughly outplayed, losing 132–119. San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

The Spurs exposed the Lakers' already suspect perimeter defense, which ranks in the bottom five in the league in opponents' three-point shooting percentage (38.2%), shooting 17 of 38 from beyond (44.7%) and leading by as many as 24 points in an elimination game in the season tournament.

When the Spurs weren't attacking from beyond the arc, their defenders penetrated into the paint, compromising Los Angeles' interior defense so much that the Lakers often had no choice but to foul. San Antonio shot 29 of 36 from the free throw line compared to 17 of 23 for the Lakers.

And when the Spurs weren't hurting Los Angeles in those areas, they were torching the Lakers in transition. San Antonio scored 35 points in transition on Wednesday, a season-high and the most points the Lakers have allowed in a game this season, according to GeniusIQ.

Although Los Angeles started the season 17–7, the loss mirrored many of the Lakers' other lopsided losses in the first quarter of the regular season schedule.

And it comes two days after the agent of one of the team's most prominent players said he doesn't believe the Lakers are cut out for a long postseason run.

Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and longtime friend and ambassador LeBron Jamessaid this during the debut of his new podcast, “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul,” released Monday.

“I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference finals,” Paul said. “I don’t think from that perspective they have the wherewithal to really fight.”

Looks like Paul's client doesn't agree with him.

After the loss to the Spurs, James was asked whether Los Angeles' performance in the NBA Cup would impact his team's playoff prospects, and the 23-year veteran responded that the discussion was entirely premature.

“I can't think about what we can do in the playoffs in December,” James said after finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. “What I can say is that the habits we form throughout the regular season every month, [are what is important]. If we're able to make the postseason and get to this point, well, we need to build it now.

“But in terms of how much damage we're going to do in the postseason in December, that's not good for the basketball gods or for me.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick didn't talk about the Lakers' championship chances before Wednesday's game, but he did talk about the nature of being part of an organization like the Lakers, where seemingly everyone has an opinion – good or bad – about where the team is on a day-to-day basis.

“Because sports is an emotional game, both on the part of the participants and the fans, it’s hard not to overreact,” Redick said.

However, there was a muted chorus of agreement in the Lakers' postgame comments, indicating concerns about their defense.

“They were just coming down the mountain, riding and kicking,” said Luka Doncicwhose 35 points and 8 assists on offense weren't enough to mask LA's problems at the other end. “Each of us must become better.”

Said Redick: “I think containing the basketball is probably the hardest thing for our team right now.”

James noted that “five guys on the same line” is key to the Lakers' unity on defense, and communication strengthens the connection in coverage.

Meanwhile, San Antonio won its 12th straight game without Victor Vembanyamawho was sidelined with a calf strain.

Los Angeles doesn't have a consistent Defensive Player of the Year candidate on the injured list waiting to return to them. This is what they have, and unless they improve together, Paul's comments may prove more prophetic than premature.

“Spirits are still high here. We know we can do it.” Austin Reeves said. “But we have to be a group that guards five people.”