There’s been plenty of conversation (as usual) around what’s happening in Laker Town. That discussion has revolved around, but certainly has not been limited to, the fit between two ball-dominant stars
in Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Even with the fit not being perfect though, and with the 41 year old James looking mortal at times, they still find themselves in 3rd place in a tough Western Conference. What their ceiling is this year though has sparked the most debate, with some thinking their roster going forward needs to be completely Luka-focused as James finishes out the back 9 of an illustrious career somewhere else. The Spurs won their last encounter, a memorable game against them in Los Angeles for the Emirates Cup knockout round. On a SEGABABA tonight and possibly without the services of Victor Wembanyama, can San Antonio find a way to take another from the Purple and Gold?
San Antonio Spurs (25-11) vs Los Angeles Lakers (23-11)
January 7 2026 | 8:30 PM CT
Watch: ESPN | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Injuries: Victor Wembanyama, knee (day to day), Devin Vassell, left adductor strain (OUT)
Laker Injuries: Austin Reaves, strain (OUT), Adou Thiero, MCL sprain (OUT), Gabe Vincent, back (OUT), Rui Hachimura, calf (OUT)
What to watch for
- He’s drawn plenty of hate online for defensive lapses and his numbers have come down from where fans have come to expect them to be, but LeBron James is still to be marveled at. Being able to put up 22 points, 5 boards and 7 assists a game at 41 years old, after all of the basketball mileage he’s accumulated is nothing short of amazing. Of course he’s not the same freakish menace he once was, but opposing teams still have to account for him. He had a slow start to the season but has picked it up and is coming off of an efficient performance in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Luka Doncic has seemingly regained his MVP form in his first full season in Los Angeles, with averages of 33 points, 8 rebounds, and almost 9 assists per contest. The fit with LeBron hasn’t been perfect, but he developed some real chemistry with the currently injured Austin Reaves while James rehabbed from a sciatica injury that kept him out until nearly the end of November. The weakest part of his offensive game this year has been the long ball, where he’s connecting on just 32% of his nearly 11 three point attempts.
- Julian Champagnie appears to be the only Spur to be able to consistently knock down the long ball for the Silver and Black over these last few games. He had 15 first quarter points against Memphis last night thanks to four 3s, though he finished the night with 23 points and only one more made 3.
- Jeremy Sochan saw his first action last night in Memphis since playing roughly 6 minutes back on December 27th against the Utah Jazz. Sochan has clearly fallen out of the rotation, but his performance in Memphis showed that he’s staying ready, with his trademark intensity on the defensive end being as apparent as ever. With San Antonio needing all the bodies it can muster to guard James and Doncic, don’t be surprised if you see him again tonight.
- Victor Wembanyama made his return following a two game absence last night with a 30 performance in 21 minutes against the Memphis. Coming off the bench once again, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not he suits up for tonight’s game, a SEGABABA.
If you’d like to, you may follow along with the game on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or visit our Game Thread!
