Spurs break 18-game losing streak in win over Lakers

The Lakers may have won the in-season tournament last week, but they were no match for the biggest game of Devin Vassell’s career. The Spurs guard had a career-high 36 points on just 19 shots against a Lakers team struggling without Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell in San Antonio’s 129-115 win.

One Spur who thrived in AD’s absence was rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama. While he scored only 13 points, the big man added 15 rebounds, two blocks, two steals and five assists.

Of course, he also put up 30 points and 13 rebounds with Davis on the court Wednesday night, along with six blocks, so perhaps Wembanyama was insufficiently motivated Friday night.

Perhaps the Lakers were as well. After the excitement of the tournament, where the Lakers all won $500K, it might have been tough to get up for a rematch with the Spurs, who they narrowly beat 122-119 Wednesday.

Meanwhile. for the Spurs, a talented-but-young team on a franchise-record losing streak, the Lakers rematch was like a playoff game.

The game may not have meant anything for the Lakers, but for the Spurs, it was huge. They ended a losing streak, they beat LeBron and they gave the fans of San Antonio a glimpse of the team’s bright future.