Spurs vs. Lakers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The San Antonio Spurs (13-18) play against the Los Angeles Lakers (17-17) at STAPLES Center

Game Time: 10:30 PM EST on Thursday December 23, 2021

San Antonio Spurs 138, Los Angeles Lakers 110 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
It was a good night to look back on the Staples Center era. For the Lakers, looking immediately ahead is not very appealing: ocregister.com/2021/12/23/lak… – 2:58 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Dwight Howard on this rough stretch for the Lakers: “When we do, when we turn this all around, we are going to look back on this and it’s something that maybe we needed to bring the dog out of us.” – 2:19 AM Dave McMenamin @mcten
Dwight Howard on the Lakers’ four-game losing streak amid injuries and COVID protocols decimating the roster: “When we turn this all around we’re going to look back at this as something that maybe we needed to bring the dog out out of us” – 2:19 AM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Dwight Howard said he “was tired” and “had a little cough for a day or two” when he was in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. – 2:15 AM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Dwight Howard said he felt “tired” with not being able to train while he was in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. But Dwight said he didn’t feel any symptoms related to COVID. – 2:11 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Final Stats 📊
KBD: 30p | 7r
Derrick: 23p | 7a | 3r | 2b
Lonnie: 21p | 3a | 2r
KJ: 16p | 10r
Jock: 13p | 8r | 3a
Doug: 13p | 5r
DJ: 9p | 13a | 6r | 2s | 2b
Jakob: 8p | 3r | 2a
Devin: 5p | 3r
Tre: 3r | 2a pic.twitter.com/XKrrPlG3kK – 2:11 AM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Quick @LockedOnLakers reaction video after the 133-110 loss to the Spurs. 66 points from LeBron/Westbrook, but also 30 for Keita Bates-Diop (seriously… 30), indicative of how badly everything went for the Lakers. @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork pic.twitter.com/IQ61HGvwZE – 2:09 AM Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
Lost in all the hubbub tonight: Your Spurs are now the 10th seed in the Western Conference. pic.twitter.com/yX9PWk0Bwp – 2:06 AM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
David Fizdale: “To the Spurs’ credit, they carved us up.” – 2:05 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
David Fizdale says the reality of the Lakers’ defensive system is adding new players creates disconnects. It’s not an easy system to learn. “We get hit with COVID, we lose a lot of stuff.” At the same time, Fiz says, “We can play better.” – 2:05 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Feels great to end the road trip with a win!
#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/6cH1HIhb4Q – 2:03 AM Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
LeBron has been playing out of his mind. Don’t waste his remaining years. – 2:00 AM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Even acknowledging how small the Lakers want to and should go small whenever possible, the lack of productive bigs not named “Anthony” or “Davis” has become a real issue for this team. AK – 1:58 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs are now 9-5 since the Boston game on November 26. – 1:56 AM Bill Oram @billoram
The Spurs on the last night of Staples: pic.twitter.com/TgjeZGD2lh – 1:52 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Going into Christmas the Spurs are in the play-in game spot.
Still 62% of the season left to be played pic.twitter.com/BhrfWEsOMO – 1:52 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Russell Westbrook says he remains optimistic because it was only a few days ago that the Lakers were healthy, 16-13 and on 3-game winning streak. “I didn’t hear none of these questions … a lot of things have happened but we were feeling confident with direction.” – 1:51 AM Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
The Lakers, picked by many to win the NBA title are now..
16-17
22nd in differential
23rd in net rating
27th in offense
28th in turnovers
28th in free throw shooting
23rd in offensive rebounding
21st in defensive rebounding
@FiveThirtyEight now projects they’ll miss the play-in – 1:48 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Russell Westbrook on how Lakers can win right now with depleted roster: “Figure it out. Nothing else you can do… I don’t panic. We got a bunch of guys in that locker room that don’t quit, never give in to what is happening. Regardless of if you lose by 2 or 28, it’s one loss.” – 1:47 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
New season best for the Spurs’ defense: 15 points from three for the Lakers
Before that, 24 points from three were the season low for a Spurs opponent – 1:45 AM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Russell Westbrook: “Playing on Christmas is an honor, it’s a blessing.” – 1:45 AM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Russell Westbrook on THT’s struggles: “He’s gonna be fine. He’s a great talent. … I’m not worried about THT at all.” – 1:44 AM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James on the season: “This is the unknown. I say, ‘Every year has its own challenge.’ This is another year where you can literally have one guy one night and the next night you won’t.” – 1:42 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
New season high for the Spurs: 138 points
Previous high was 136 against the Kings – 1:42 AM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
The Spurs’ 28-point win at the Lakers was the largest in franchise history. Previous largest was 21 points (three times). During the Lakers’ season-long four-game losing streak, 3 of 4 losses have been by at least 18 points (-69 combined points diff during streak). @ESPNStatsInfo pic.twitter.com/BNfq8rm969 – 1:41 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
New season best number for the Spurs: 6 turnovers
The previous season low was 7 turnovers – 1:41 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs finished with 37 assists against the Clippers and 33 assists tonight against the Lakers.
74% and 72% assist percentage in those two games – 1:40 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“He was huge for us. Came in, guarded, active, back cuts.” – Derrick White on KBD’s career high 30 points tonight.
Derrick said KBD played mainly the 5 tonight – 1:38 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
New season high: 28 made free throws for the Spurs – 1:37 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs improve to 7-4 when winning or tying the 3PT line.
They matched their season high with 54 points from distance tonight.
They last dropped 54 from three against the Kings. – 1:35 AM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron James believes “there was never any doubt” Kevin Durant would come back from his Achilles surgery at “full strength” following the devastating injury in the NBA Finals. – 1:35 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
LeBron James on Kevin Durant’s comeback from Achilles injury when asked by @Dave McMenamin: “There was never any doubt from myself or anybody in this league…I heard there was only like really 1 group of people that had any doubt on him coming back full strength. Not going to name them.” – 1:34 AM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Yo that Bron shade thooooo💀 – 1:34 AM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
When a reporter pointed out that LeBron has suffered a lot of injuries, but never a torn Achilles while setting up a question about KD, LeBron literally interrupted him because he wanted to knock on wood. He settled for knocking on the back of a reporter’s computer. – 1:32 AM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
LeBron mentioned the ones against the Lakers as among his favorite Christmas games. Can’t blame him. In 2009, his Cavs beat the Lakers so badly, fans threw their foam fingers on the court. AK – 1:28 AM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James on Kevin Durant overcoming an Achilles injury: “There was never any doubt from myself or anybody in this league.” – 1:28 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Chart: Spurs game by game largest leads and results.
San Antonio went 3-1 on this road trip with a comeback win against Utah, a loss to the Kings? and blow out wins over the Clippers and Lakers pic.twitter.com/2e1XfUmepi – 1:28 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
LeBron James on trying to survive with so many players going into protocols: “I literally been saying this is survival of the fittest.” – 1:26 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“That was just me being me sometimes. Just enjoying the game.” – Lonnie Walker IV on his behind-the-back pass to Landale for the dunk. – 1:26 AM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James on what it’ll take for the Lakers to be a good defensive team: “All of our defensive guys are in health and safety protocols.” – 1:26 AM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron: “We have no chemistry with any lineup” due to the fact they haven’t logged enough minutes together. – 1:25 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
LeBron James on navigating the unknown and chaos of this season with COVID: “It’s literally a crap shoot every time you take a test (to see who will be out in health and safety protocols)… we have no chemistry with any lineup… it’s the truth.” – 1:24 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron, venting about the chaos of guys going in and out of protocols: “It’s literally a crapshoot every single time you take a test at this point.” – 1:23 AM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron thinks he played in the best Christmas Day game ever when Warriors faced his Cavs. – 1:23 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Asked what the Lakers need besides a full roster to play the defense they want, LeBron James says: “We don’t need a full roster. We just need some of our guys back.” – 1:23 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“That’s a great Christmas present for himself.” – Lonnie Walker IV on KBD getting his 30 points while shooting a perfect 11/11 from the floor – 1:23 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“Keita’s a very smart individual on the court and off the court. He kept cutting and made the right reads.” – Lonnie Walker IV on Keita Bates-Diop dropping 30 points tonight, with 16 in the paint. – 1:22 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
LeBron James on what the Lakers need to improve their defense: “All of our defensive guys are in health and safety protocols… we got a couple more (but majority is out).” – 1:22 AM Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
66 Points from LeBron and Russ.
44 Points from every other Laker combined. – 1:20 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs improve to 8-14 as underdogs.
Lakers were favored by 1.5 going into this one and San Antonio won by 28 – 1:19 AM Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Keita Bates-Diop w/ career-best 30 points on a franchise-best 11 of 11, including 3 of 3 from 3-pt range in 138-110 win over LAL. He ties Fab Oberto, who went 11 for 11 en route to 22 points in an OT win over Suns in Nov. 2006. KBD is 1st Spur to score 30 in a game this season. – 1:19 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Heading into the holidays with a win🙌
#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/d113x3iumO – 1:18 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“He’s played really well. He knows how to play.” – Coach Pop on Jock Landale’s play lately.
Landale has been the first big off the bench in the last couple of games. – 1:16 AM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Players to score 30+ points while making every field goal attempt against the Los Angeles Lakers:
– Wilt Chamberlain
– Karl Malone
– Keita Bates-Diop – 1:16 AM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are the first Lakers duo with 30-point games at 33 years of age or older since Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain did it on Feb. 22, 1972 per @ESPNStatsInfo. Rest of the Lakers scored 44 points combined tonight. – 1:15 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“They did a great job. Keita was ridiculous.” – Coach Pop on the Spurs’ bench tonight.
Spurs won the bench battle 69-20 – 1:15 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
SPURS WIN! SPURS WIN! SPURS WIN! pic.twitter.com/a8qGm276sV – 1:15 AM StatMuse @statmuse
Keita Bates-Diop is the first player in Spurs franchise history to drop 30+ points on 100% shooting.
30 PTS
7 REB
11-11 FG
3-3 3P
Only 4 other players have done it since 2000. – 1:12 AM Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
LeBron cooked tonight and they still lost by 30? – 1:12 AM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette hotline is LIVE @TwitterSpaces, presented by @UnderdogFantasy.
Lakers doom, Knicks doom, Steph immortal, Suns unstoppable, Operation Sea Lion, and more.
Taking your calls
twitter.com/i/spaces/1ynJO… – 1:12 AM Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Not much to say, new low of the season…Spurs over the Lakers 138-110…No Defense for 48 minutes…Lakers now 16-17 on the season, 4 game losing streak
Next game on Christmas Night vs the Nets…
Thoughts Laker Fans? – 1:12 AM Michael De Leon @mdeleon
No Spurs grinches tonight after this win – 1:10 AM StatMuse @statmuse
The Lakers lost by 28 points in their final game at Staples to the rebuilding Spurs.
That’s the worst home loss of the season.
They shot 5-27 from three. pic.twitter.com/lmwcNicGxd – 1:10 AM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Full page ad for 138 American points pic.twitter.com/u4Z9I74VAe – 1:10 AM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Howard, Ellington, Melo, Rondo, Jordan, Thomas, Jones (J), Jones (M), Huff: 31. Bates-Diop: 30. Take that, Kieta! BK – 1:10 AM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
pic.twitter.com/XDdDtrKwax – 1:09 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Spurs win the 3PT line by 39 points.
KBD with a career high 30 points pic.twitter.com/WtgiaBosFa – 1:08 AM Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
Keita Bates-Diop, on 11/11 shooting, becomes the first Spur to score 30 points in a game this season. Because of course. – 1:08 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
THIRTY POINTS for @Keita Bates-Diop !!!!! – 1:08 AM Dave McMenamin @mcten
The Lakers say goodbye to Staples Center with a 138-110 loss to the Spurs. LeBron 36p on 15-of-26 9r 6a 2b; Russ 30p on 12-of-20 7r 4a 5tos; THT 13p on 5-of-13. LAL (16-17) has BKN (21-9) up next at Crypto.com Arena on Christmas. Bates-Diop 30p on 11-of-11 for SAS – 1:08 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs get another blow out win, this time over the Lakers.
The Spurs are now…
…13-18 overall
…7-9 on the road
…8-13 against the West
…1-2 against the Lakers
…10th out West – 1:07 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
FINAL: Spurs 138, Lakers 110. – 1:07 AM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Name the building after Keita Bates-Diop – 1:07 AM StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron last 4 games:
30 PPG
10 RPG
5 APG
56 FG%
The Lakers are 0-4 in that span. pic.twitter.com/nGTydDsv2w – 1:03 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The big question of the last four minutes is if the Lakers bench (18 points) can outscore Keita Bates-Diop, who has 24 points off the bench. The Spurs reserves have 60 points as a unit. – 1:01 AM Josh Martin @LonzoWire
In a video with Uninterrupted, Lonzo Ball revealed the best advice ever given to him but former teammate LeBron James. lonzowire.usatoday.com/2021/06/11/lon… – 1:00 AM Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Lonnie Walker IV laced up the @Candace_Parker ACE PEs for the last game at Staples Center. pic.twitter.com/Z3ogQsZbaH – 12:59 AM Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
“Keita Bates-Diop Staples lid on Lakers” is a terrrrrible headline someone should write – 12:57 AM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
The Grizzlies just lost their third straight game but no one behind them is taking advantage. The Nuggets and Mavs both lost and the Lakers are down 20 at home in the fourth quarter vs. the Spurs. I guess that’s the best case scenario in a loss. Still up 1.5 games for 4th spot. – 12:55 AM Ralph Lawler @Ohmeomy
Who would have imagined that the San Antonio Spurs would come to LA with 12 wins and score EZ victories over both the Clippers and the Lakers.? – 12:55 AM Michael De Leon @mdeleon
How many flannels does Zach Collins own? – 12:55 AM Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
The biggest difference between the Warriors and Lakers: the Warriors look young and energetic, and the Lakers look old and like they’d prefer a running clock. – 12:54 AM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
LeBron and Westbrook are 26-45, and the Lakers are down by 22. That is… disquieting. BK – 12:54 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs have led by 30 and 22 points in their last two games against the Clippers and Lakers in Los Angeles – 12:54 AM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
The Spurs get to take the Staples Center marquee back to Texas after this week – 12:54 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
8th 20 point lead for the Spurs this season
SA enters 6-1 when leading by 20 – 12:53 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Spurs by 19, their new largest lead of the night – 12:53 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Tis’ the season to drop dimes 🤌
@Lonnie Walker @Jock Landale pic.twitter.com/UNZhlXDAAq – 12:51 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Spurs continue to hold the 3PT line 42-15.
SA by 18 with 6:47 left – 12:49 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Lonnie Walker IV behind the back pass? – 12:46 AM Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
I think the Lakers are so bad that you can tweet “Lakers are so bad” and it won’t RIP you mentions. Let’s see. – 12:45 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Spurs by 18 now, their new largest lead of the game. – 12:44 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Fizdale called for a tech after a foul against LeBron was called on the floor instead of on the shot. That kinda night. – 12:44 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
🗣LET’S GOOOOOOO
@Keita Bates-Diop has hit a career-high of 24 PTS pic.twitter.com/vJx75ETpMg – 12:43 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
20 point for Derrick White
12 points from three
4 paint points
4 points from the FT line
Spurs by 15 – 12:42 AM Mike Finger @mikefinger
Staples has decided to reinvest its naming-rights money in Keita Bates-Diop. – 12:37 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Final frame coming 🔜 pic.twitter.com/oOm97TYbTy – 12:36 AM Bill Oram @billoram
LeBron and Russ have combined for 59 points in three quarters and the Lakers are still down 105-92 to the Spurs. – 12:35 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
3Q: Spurs by 13
SA takes the 3Q 39-37
KBD 2 points shy of a new career high in scoring
Spurs winning the 3PT line by 24 points pic.twitter.com/XDVuJqRzYr – 12:35 AM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
when Westbrook misses a free throw it sounds like someone just dropped a burrito onto the kitchen counter. – 12:35 AM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
pic.twitter.com/Pcuw4i7Jdu – 12:35 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
DJ doing DJ things 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9hcJJ1NLZ8 – 12:32 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
14 points now for Lonnie Walker IV.
He’s scored in double figures in 6 of his last 7 games – 12:30 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Feels like Russ has finally found his rhythm getting to the basket, up to 21 points. The Lakers still can’t hit threes, just 4 for 17 from deep. San Antonio is 12 for 28. – 12:30 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
17 points for KBD now.
These are the most points he’s scored in a Spurs jersey. – 12:26 AM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
The Spurs entered this game averaging 29.8 three-point attempts… 30th in the league… and 10.5 makes… again, 30th in the league. With just over 3 minutes left in the game, they’ve made 12 and taken 27. Never let it be said that Popovich looks a gift horse in the mouth. AK – 12:23 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Lonnie puts the Spurs ahead by 17 points, their new largest lead of the game – 12:20 AM Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
90-74 Spurs… – 12:17 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
KBD now the leading Spurs scorer with 15 points.
12 of KBD’s points in the paint – 12:17 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
KEITA. BATES. DIOP pic.twitter.com/d77TOmw7cD – 12:15 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Staples Center crowd isn’t letting this go: They chant, “LET’S GO LA-KERS!” and Westbrook obliges by charging in for a layup. Pop calls timeout, Lakers still trailing by 11. First real sign of life tonight outside of LeBron scoring in a vacuum. – 12:14 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
KBD is now tied with Derrick as the leading scorer for the Spurs.
KBD with 10 of his 13 points in the paint – 12:11 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Spurs by 15 right now.
6 players have scored in double figures
Derrick, Jock, KBD, Keldon, Lonnie, and Doug
Spurs are holding the scoring edge from three by 21 points – 12:09 AM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Big Body dialing in from loooong distance 💪 pic.twitter.com/19eNcXMkII – 12:08 AM Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Am I missing something with the pomp and circumstance? Are the Lakers moving or is that brick and mortar building still going to stand after tonight? – 12:08 AM Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Lakers not named LeBron are 2-12 on 3s tonight, after going 0 for the 2nd half against Phoenix on Tuesday. – 12:08 AM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron visibly frustrated after Dwight Howard once again failed to defend at the rim without fouling – 12:04 AM Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The Lakers have won six championships since calling Staples Center home. Here they are in front of the Staples Center logo on their court for the final time. pic.twitter.com/xCEaQStt1A – 12:03 AM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
I know LeBron doesn’t believe in load management but what about mental health breaks – 12:03 AM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Similar to how LeBron spends a $1M annually maintaining his body, Wayne Ellington must spend $1M maintaining his beard. It is always the most perfectly manicured facial hair I’ve ever seen. AK – 12:03 AM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Spurs by 16 now, their largest lead of the game.
Poeltl did the move where he dribbles like he’s about to hand off the ball then runs toward the paint – 11:58 PM Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The Lakers have won six titles since they’ve been at Staples Crater. The Lakers got Robert Horry, Luke Walton, Metta World Peace, Byron Scott and Gary Payton to pose in front of the six trophies.
(Payton never won a title with the Lakers and Scott won his titles at The Forum.) pic.twitter.com/lxdQF4ehVq – 11:54 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Former Lakers are being honored during half of the final game before Staples Center will be known as Crypto.com Arena. Multiple guys including Metta World Peace, Robert Horry and Luke Walton are being introduced as though they were participating in starting lineups. – 11:51 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“Some guy named Jock Landale. I’ve never heard of him before.” – Commentary from the Lakers halftime show on Spectrum Sportsnet (Lakers feed) – 11:49 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Shooting stats at the half for the Spurs and Lakers.
Spurs need to try to keep distance at the 3PT line and keep the paint scoring close in the second half pic.twitter.com/6ZwiKlbOSg – 11:47 PM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Some Lakers from the Staples Center era are here: Gary Payton, Byron Scott, Luke Walton, Metta Sandiford-Artest and Robert Horry. – 11:47 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
That was fun! Another 24 coming up after the break
#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/MzOmmaZVkV – 11:43 PM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Welp, that was ugly. The Lakers should be down by more than 11, but at least they’re still in the game. Hopefully they can turn it around in the 3rd. – 11:41 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Half: Spurs by 11
SA take 2Q 33-31
Spurs are winning the 3PT line by 18 points pic.twitter.com/y5DFXxhVoX – 11:41 PM Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
Spurs lead 66-55 at half. Lakers have one starter in double figures (LeBron, 23). Spurs have three bench players in double figures — Landale (11), Walker (10), and KBD (10). – 11:41 PM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
The Spurs have a commanding 66-55 half-time lead over the Lakers, and the effort didn’t depend on Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker or Kawhi Leonard – 11:41 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
pic.twitter.com/BX3z2sIX35 – 11:40 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
yeah, he has some moves 🔥
@Doug McDermott pic.twitter.com/xitV0jAFC1 – 11:38 PM Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
Yes the Lakers are short handed, but they are simply getting out worked by the Spurs: – 11:37 PM Charlotte Hornets @hornets
Kelly: 23 PTS, 5 3PT
Terry: 17 PTS, 7 REB
Miles: 16 PTS, 5 REB
Melo: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 4 STL
PJ: 13 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
Jalen: 12 PTS, 6 REB
Ish: 9 PTS, 4 AST, 2 BLK
Hornets: W
#AllFly | @drpepper pic.twitter.com/2wQRpYuAeC – 11:37 PM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron got up off the bench and appeared to see if Fizdale was fine with him closing the first half. Fizdale gave the nod of approval – 11:37 PM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
When I say no Laker was moving on that Keldon Johnson ORB putback, I mean, in the most literal sense. I’m not even sure they were breathing, flowing blood, etc. It’s like everyone was truly, perfectly still. AK – 11:35 PM Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
LeBron is just frustrated at this point. – 11:34 PM Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron’s scored 23, the Lakers have scored 45, and the Spurs lead by 12 – 11:32 PM Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
Spurs outscoring the Lakers 29-4 in Bench points – 11:30 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
8 points now for KBD, with 6 in the paint scoring against Ellington.
He’s playing the 5 with both teams going small right now – 11:30 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs have led by 15 points in 42% of their games this season.
SA enters 10-2 when leading by 15 points – 11:29 PM Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
KBD has the last seven straight points for the Spurs, who lead 55-40. – 11:29 PM Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
LeBron is literally keeping the Lakers in the game. He has half their points (20) and there is still 7 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. – 11:26 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
DEFENSE 👏👏 DEFENSE
@Keita Bates-Diop gets the steal and the finish! pic.twitter.com/LFqpwQBdzi – 11:26 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
20 point first half for LeBron James:
12 paint points
6 points from three
2 points from mid-range
Spurs by 10 – 11:26 PM StatMuse @statmuse
20+ game win streaks in NBA history:
33 — Lakers 1971-72
28 — Warriors 2014-16
27 — Heat 2012-13
22 — Rockers 2007-08
20 — Capitols 1947-49
20 — Bucks 1970-71
20 — Devin Booker 2021-22 pic.twitter.com/v35WmTyDx6 – 11:25 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
🎯 @Derrick White 🎯 pic.twitter.com/zjLlAgG8A0 – 11:24 PM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
FLINT TROPICS > Lakers pic.twitter.com/HCIXzTqzvd – 11:23 PM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Spurs have made 8 threes. The Lakers have made one, and of course, it was by LeBron. – 11:22 PM Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
Keita Bates-Diop just picked off a LeBron James pass and scrambled coast-to-coast for a layup, if you want to know how this game is going for both teams. – 11:21 PM Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
No energy right now, Lakers down 50-37… – 11:21 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
11 points off the bench for Jock Landale.
He’s the leading scorer for the Spurs right now – 11:21 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Lonnie, Jock, Murray, and McDermott have all 21 of the Spurs’ points from three pic.twitter.com/CGLAu7oUxD – 11:18 PM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Jock Landale sounds like the secret identity of a superhero that was discontinued in 1962. BK – 11:15 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs are winning the 3PT line by 18 points after Jock gets his three to fall.
Spurs by 11 overall – 11:15 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
finished the first 12 on top! pic.twitter.com/qkQrLfduwA – 11:14 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Spurs have led by double digits in 55% of their games this season.
SA enters 11-5 when leading by 10 – 11:14 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Right on time 💪 pic.twitter.com/EeKbY4TOyA – 11:13 PM Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
All of the Spurs’ 33 points in the first quarter came from either the 3-point line, paint, or foul line. – 11:11 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
pic.twitter.com/37R8GiCTL5 – 11:11 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
1Q: Spurs by 9 (largest lead on final possession)
McDermott 8 pts | LeBron 9 pts
Lonnie 7 pts
Spurs are winning the 3PT line by 12 points, that’s the major difference – 11:11 PM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
After Q1: Spurs 33, Lakers 24. – 11:10 PM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Russell Westbrook already with more fouls (2) than field goals (1) – 11:09 PM Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Dillon Brooks is now tied with Carmelo Anthony for a league-high 8 technical fouls. Earlier this week he said he doesn’t think about technicals when playing. He’s halfway to his 16th technical, which warrants an automatic one-game suspension. – 11:05 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Jock Landale remains the backup 5 off the bench for the Spurs.
Spurs are winning the 3PT line by 9 points right now. – 11:02 PM Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Masters of the mid-range: DeRozan. CP3. Ellington. AK – 11:01 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
this sequence 👀 pic.twitter.com/oz30YPSuYe – 11:00 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Perfection. 🤌
That Derrick dime to DJ was EVERYTHING! pic.twitter.com/SkD2oCNQPo – 10:53 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Quick trip to the circus 🎪
(📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/BBv0kHuph8 – 10:52 PM Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
McDermott and LeBron have a combined 15 of the 25 points scored so far in this game.
Spurs by 3, with early leads in the paint and 3PT line – 10:51 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Another one from beyond for McBuckets👌 pic.twitter.com/HbqJOouUpv – 10:50 PM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
This is trending into a game where the Lakers play zero defense and LeBron has to do everything on his own offensively. Kind of been a theme. – 10:47 PM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Another good start for LeBron, 3 for 3 with some tricky makes. – 10:47 PM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Spurs jerseys got Flint Tropics vibes tonight… pic.twitter.com/krw85yDIHC – 10:46 PM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Shoutout to this San Antonio jersey combo, tho – 10:45 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
final run in the Staples Center…
Let’s get it 💪 pic.twitter.com/aZSpSQOf5q – 10:35 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Let the fun begin! 🎉 Enter the Spurs Digital Arena pres. by @SociosHoops for your chance to win a $50 @HEB gift card! pic.twitter.com/Hcom6CqRQb – 10:25 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
starting 🖐
#PorVida pic.twitter.com/32BnyM8aBz – 10:19 PM Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
As the Lakers play one last game at Staples Center before it officially becomes Crypto.Com Arena, here are the biggest moments for the Lakers, Clippers and other sporting events in Staples Center history espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 10:17 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
back at it in LA. pic.twitter.com/wQ5okcllwg – 10:09 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Tonight’s 🖐
#SuitingUpTogether | @ToyotaSoCal pic.twitter.com/aHW2ylKTWR – 10:05 PM Ethan Strauss @SherwoodStrauss
And we are live, doing a Q&A on LeBron, Nike, and Social Schlock advertising callin.com/room/lebrons-s… – 10:02 PM Dave McMenamin @mcten
The Lakers are going back with Dwight Howard in the starting lineup tonight vs. the Spurs. – 10:00 PM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Dwight Howard is starting at center tonight. pic.twitter.com/eJy5pFkJqj – 10:00 PM Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Good to see Kendrick Nunn shooting around earlier…He’s still out, but hopefully getting closer to returning
Desperately need him… pic.twitter.com/LCrtri3rZp – 9:51 PM Ric Bucher @RicBucher
Why Lebron Wanted Russ Westbrook over Buddy Hield shows.acast.com/bucher-and-fri… via @acast – 9:30 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Here’s to our favorite stories, and to the ones yet to be written. pic.twitter.com/mqzBfyxRLA – 9:30 PM Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
David Fizdale on Lakers coach Frank Vogel: “Frank has Covid, & he’s at the house watching the game tonight. Of course, we met today as a staff on Zoom & he helped us attack the game plan and get prepared and all the good stuff. Then he turns it over to us and let us do the rest.” – 9:28 PM Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The commemorative ticket and lanyard bring given to all fans before tonight’s Lakers game. pic.twitter.com/ZIN5nfli9F – 9:26 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
clockin’ in for the night shift
#ULTRADrip | #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/XjWIlLdq5c – 9:25 PM Kyle Goon @kylegoon
David Fizdale confirms that Dwight Howard is going to play tonight, helping the team’s depth with Trevor Ariza in protocols. – 8:47 PM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
David Fizdale said Dwight Howard is “definitely” going to play tonight. – 8:47 PM Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The tradition of saying hello to Chick Hearn before every Lakers game will continue regardless what the arena is called. pic.twitter.com/u4rxOHJwkf – 8:44 PM Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The Lakers displaying some of their most memorable moments at Staples Center over the past 22 years. pic.twitter.com/BnydazxO0X – 8:40 PM Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Bulls make it official the team has signed South Bay Lakers guard Mac McClung to a 10-day contract via the NBA’s hardship exception. – 8:39 PM LeBron James @KingJames
🐐 youtube.com/watch?v=mE7HuH… – 8:35 PM Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The Lakers are playing their last game at Staples Center tonight but don’t try to commemorate the moment in front of the marquee. pic.twitter.com/DuTMAaei9m – 8:31 PM Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
The t-shirt all fans will be getting at tonight’s Lakers game. It’s a replica of the first t-shirt giveaway at Staples Center before Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. pic.twitter.com/udrSLoJhaW – 8:20 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
💜🌴💛 pic.twitter.com/J2lNPJfK1n – 8:14 PM Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Herb Jones has a block in 11 straight games for the Pelicans.
That’s the second-longest streak in franchise history for consecutive games with a block for a rookie.
The only one longer is Anthony Davis who had a 13-game streak in 2012-13. – 8:04 PM Sean Highkin @highkin
A full-day news cycle around memorializing the change of an arena name from one corporate sponsor to another is why the Lakers are the forever top of the Prestige Zone franchise rankings. – 7:45 PM Bill Oram @billoram
No real surprise here, but Lakers head coach Frank Vogel remains in health and safety protocols, meaning David Fizdale is in line to serve as acting head coach for a third straight game. – 7:32 PM Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
A sign of the Mavs’ COVID times: Dwight Powell’s masked up while warming up.
Don’t think I’d seen that from any player this season. pic.twitter.com/XQal8i1CAM – 7:18 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
Bringing some #SpursFiesta to LA tonight 🎊
🆚 @Los Angeles Lakers
9:30pm CT
📺 @KENS5
🎲 https://t.co/9tnP05yFRW
📻 @1200WOAI, @kxtn1350 AM & 107.5 FM HD 2 pic.twitter.com/9tA1x6GUqo – 7:09 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Hoodie Bron is in the building. pic.twitter.com/WDpNAnVM94 – 6:54 PM Michael Cooper @ShowtimeCooper
Gotta love these young #losangeleslakers fans!! pic.twitter.com/e3mx8AuOfP – 6:03 PM David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
PMers: G Leaguer Andre Ingram made headlines in 2018, when he got his NBA call up after 10 years, w/the Lakers. But he had another dream, fulfilled in October: being a contestant on his favorite game show, “Wheel of Fortune.” And winning. In @TheAthletic: bit.ly/3JiQG5o – 6:00 PM Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
“I had missed playing and competing. Then it was, ‘What the hell are you complaining about? This is what you’ve been after.’”
After a concussion, COVID and an unwanted G-League stint, Jock Landale is eager to get his NBA career going.
expressnews.com/sports/spurs/a… via @expressnews – 5:53 PM DeAndre Jordan @DeAndre
#35 @TobiOye… – 5:51 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
In celebration of this #SeasonOfGiving, Keldon teamed up with @Wish4RHeroes again and surprised some military families here in SA with a holiday shopping spree at @Academy !! 🙏🎁 pic.twitter.com/pgckOQLsdg – 5:47 PM Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
KD record vs. LeBron
OKC/CLE: 0-5
OKC/MIA: 4-9
OKC/CLE: 0-3
GSW/CLE: 11-3
BRK/LAL 0-0***
***Entering Christmas 🤞 – 5:33 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Lakers 🆚 Spurs
: 7:30 p.m. PT
📺: @SpectrumSN
📻: ESPN LA 710 & 1330 KWKW
#LakeShow x @SociosHoops on.nba.com/3yWm18Q – 5:30 PM Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
Top 12 High School Players I’ve Ever Seen:
1. Lonzo Ball
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Grant Hill
4. LeBron James
5. Kenny Anderson
6. Damon Bailey
7. Alonzo Mourning
8. Chris Jackson
9. Shaquille O’Neal
10. Litterial Green
11. Chris Webber
12. Kevin Durant – 5:08 PM Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
What are your favorite memories from the last 22 years at STAPLES Center? pic.twitter.com/zNuxQWebVO – 4:40 PM San Antonio Spurs @spurs
We got a FREE authentic Spurs jersey up for grabs in the Spurs App 🚨
Play Call Your Shot pres. by @bet365_us and make your picks before tonight’s game for your chance to win! – 4:32 PM