3 Takeaways From Victor Wembanyama and Spurs’ Deflating Loss To Luka Doncic’s Lakers

Victor Wembanyama fouled out with 1:40 left in the San Antonio Spurs’ 118-116 loss to Luka Doncic’s LA Lakers on Wednessday. The 7-foot-5 center barrelled into Lakers forward Rui Hachimura for an offensive foul that sent Wemby to the bench for good. Julian Champagnie missed two free throws that would have forced a five-minute extension.

Wembanyama and his teammates looked to bounce back after a 130-118 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. They hoped to return to the win column against the Lakers, who played the second night of a back-to-back set. Without Austin Reaves and LeBron James, San Antonio struggled all night to stop Doncic, who dragged his team to the finish line.

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3 Things to glean from Victor Wembanyama and Spurs’ so-so performance against Lakers

#3. Victor Wembanyama back to error-prone ways

In Victor Wembayama’s first five games, he averaged 1.8 turnovers. He did not commit one mistake in wins against the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. Last season, Wemby averaged 3.6 TOV, making errors a crucial area that needed improvement.

In the Spurs’ back-to-back losses, he has averaged 5.5 TOV. The offensive foul against Hachimura late in the fourth quarter was costly. He had scored the Spurs’ last five points before barging into the Japanese forward.

The sixth foul kept him out of the most crucial part of the game. Luka Doncic and Co. attacked the paint more with much success without the NBA’s best and most imposing inside presence.

#2. San Antonio needs Luke Kornet

Luke Kornet has not played since San Antonio won in overtime in New Orleans, 120-116, in late October. The former Boston Celtics big man, out with an ankle injury, remains doubtful.

Kelly Olynyk and Jeremy Sochan appeared for the first time this season to support the weakened frontline. Both struggled to impact the game, particularly in rebounding and defense, Kornet’s strengths.

Kornet is averaging 8.0 points, 8.0 rebound, 3.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. He is one of the best in rolling to the paint, protecting the rim and jostling for rebounds. The Spurs can’t wait to have him back.

#1. The Spurs missed Dylan Harper’s spark off the bench

Dylan Harper played only 11 minutes in the Spurs’ loss to the Suns due to a calf injury. Without him on Wednesday, Victor Wembanyama and Co. could not get their usual spark off the bench.

Keldon Johnson had his moments against the Lakers, but Harper’s playmaking, speed and ability to attack the rim were sorely missed. San Antonio plays with a different pace and oomph against second-stringers when the No. 2 pick of the 2025 draft is on the floor.

Harper would have been tailor-made to make an impact against Bronny James or Dalton Knecht.

Edited by Michael Macasero