Lakers vs. Spurs Preview: and Game Thread: Basketball resumes

The Lakers are back on the court on Monday against a visiting Spurs team that’s eager to get back in the win column

After not being able to play their last two games, the Lakers resume playing basketball on Monday against the San Antonio Spurs. This was originally to be their second game versus San Antonio in three days before Saturday’s postponement.

Regardless, L.A. looks to remain undefeated in their season series against their conference opponent.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Jan 13

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: NBA TV, Spectrum Sportsnet

Monday will be the first time the Lakers take on the court after not being able to do so in six days. They will be greeted at home by Victor Wembanyama and the skidding Spurs, who are currently on three-game losing streak.

Often, teams in the midst of a three-game losing streak approach the match ahead of them with more urgency and that should be the version of the Spurs team that the Lakers should expect on Monday.

As we saw in their first two games this season, the purple and gold matched up pretty well with San Antonio and they know the formula to beat them, so I think the result of this game will be determined by how serious about winning the Lakers are in this one.

That’s not to say facing the Spurs will be a walk in the park. They’re a mediocre team that can truly put up a challenge against any squad, especially when they’re clicking in all cylinders. But the goal for Lakers — besides the fact that they should contain Wemby, which will be Anthony Davis’ responsibility — is to expose the fact that this Spurs team is not on their level offensively.

San Antonio’s defense, which ranks 13th, will put up a fight, but they will not have an answer if the Lakers are in a solid grove and make their shots on the perimeter. Hopefully six days of no action means L.A. comes out with fresh legs in this one instead of rust. It would be nice to see them come out aggressively in this one and knock down their shots on the perimeter.

Speaking of making shots on the perimeter, the Lakers should also prepare to once again see Wemby do just that. The sophomore superstar averages nine (!) attempts a game, which Davis and co. should be in charge of containing.

Outside of Wemby, there’s rookie standout Stephon Castle as well as Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan who are all capable of having big games if not thoroughly defended. Remember, the Spurs are also well-rested coming into this one.

So it would be ideal if the Lakers not only come out blazing hot from this one but with play with more purpose and energy that wasn’t really visible in their last two games. Hopefully, the purple and gold play inspired basketball not just to get back on the winning column but in dedication to the city of Los Angeles.

Let’s see if Los Angeles prevails against San Antonio on Saturday.

Notes and Updates

• Another talking point in practice was the imminent return of Jarred Vanderbilt who practiced with the South Bay Lakers and with the parent team on Friday. It seems the defensive-minded forward is already ramping up and as Redick reiterated, he’s very close to returning. He’ll still out for Monday’s game but this a very encouraging sign indeed.
• The Lakers will also host a donation drive for the rest of their home stand to help support relief efforts from the brutal wildfires. You can read more about that here.
• The Lakers will also be retiring Michael Cooper’s jersey on Monday. Cooper will be the 14th Lakers jersey hanging in the rafters.
• For the Lakers’ injury report, Anthony Davis (left ankle sprain) and LeBron James (left foot injury management) as probable. Bronny James Jr. (illness) is back on the injury report as questionable.
• Meanwhile, the usuals, Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery) and Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery) are all out.
• As for the Spurs, Jeremey Sochan (bilateral low back tightness) is questionable.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.