Spurs Overwhelm Lakers Behind Wembanyama’s First Half Masterpiece

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers’ home floor has long been a stage for stars. Tuesday night, it became Victor Wembanyama’s canvas.

With a performance that felt equal parts artistry and avalanche, the San Antonio Spurs rolled past a short-handed Los Angeles Lakers squad, 136–108, in a game that was effectively decided before halftime.

Wembanyama authored the kind of first half that turns heads across the league. The 7-foot-4 All-Star poured in 25 points in the opening quarter alone, scoring inside, outside and everywhere in between. Fadeaways over outstretched arms. Catch-and-shoot threes in rhythm. Swift drives that ended with soft finishes at the rim. By the time the teams walked into the locker room, Wembanyama had 37 points — finishing with 40 for the night — and the Spurs had posted 84 first-half points, the most ever surrendered by a Lakers team in a half.

The Lakers searched for answers and found none.

“I thought we started the game with the right amount of focus,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said.

San Antonio’s offense moved with purpose from the opening tip. The ball zipped around the perimeter, extra passes led to open looks, and turnovers quickly turned into transition buckets. The Spurs shot better than 50 percent from the field and collected 13 steals, repeatedly turning Los Angeles mistakes into easy points the other way.

While Wembanyama delivered the headline performance, the supporting cast ensured it became a rout.

“I think the two areas where he is hard to get resistance is space and momentum,” Johnson said of the Spurs’ franchise player. “There’s things for him to learn and for us to learn with him. But I thought he did a good job tonight of playing clean offensive basketball.”

Rookie Carter Bryant knocked down shots with confidence, finishing with a career-high 16 points, while fellow rookie Dylan Harper added 15 points and six assists, attacking gaps in the defense and keeping the offense sailing with ease. San Antonio’s bench maintained the tempo, preventing any sustained Lakers push.

Los Angeles, playing without LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, and Austin Reaves, struggled to generate offense. The depleted lineup showed effort but lacked the firepower to match the Spurs’ early surge. Each brief Lakers run was met with another San Antonio response, the lead swelling past 20 — and eventually past 40 — before settling at 28 by the final horn.

By the fourth quarter, the only suspense remaining was the final margin.

“Playing against ‘bad teams’ who are missing players has been a problem,” Wembanyama said. “Tonight we had to make a statement and show our progress.”

For the Spurs, the victory was more than a lopsided score line. It was a statement of growth and cohesion, a young roster blending generational talent with developing depth. When Wembanyama ignites the way he did in Los Angeles, San Antonio’s ceiling rises dramatically.

On a night when the spotlight often shines brightest on the purple and gold, it was the Spurs who owned the stage — and they left it with one of their most emphatic wins of the season.

Game Notes

  • Stephon Castle went down with a pelvis contusion and did not return. While x-rays were negative, Mitch Johnson expects Castle to be “more than pretty sore” tomorrow. I think it’s a safe bet Castle will miss Wednesday’s matchup with Golden State.
  • Carter Bryant posted a career-high 16 points and continues to show why Coach Johnson has faith in him. What’s funny is the fans who wanted to trade for a good 4 or better wing player may already have that in Carter. The second half of the season will be huge for him.
  • Harrison Barnes had a good night off the bench, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. He may not be able to start, but he is a solid player with the second unit.
  • The lone sore spot for the Spurs offensively may have been Julian Champagnie, who shot 28 percent for the night.

Knicks hopeful Mile McBride can return by end of regular season

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Miles McBride, who recently had sports hernia surgery, will be out at least for six weeks and possibly all the way up to 12

The Knicks have not made any announcements regarding Miles McBride’s surgery, but a timetable has emerged. 

He had his surgery for a sports hernia Friday, The Post confirmed. His expected recovery timetable is 6-8 weeks, according to a league source. 

That is a bit quicker than two experts The Post spoke with believe, who said full recovery for that type of surgery is usually 10-12 weeks. 

Miles McBride, who recently had sports hernia surgery, will be out at least for six weeks and possibly all the way up to 12. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

McBride’s timetable would give him a chance to return for the end of the regular season. 


OG Anunobymissed his third straight game in the Knicks’ 137-134 overtime loss to the Pacers on Tuesday night at the Garden.

The Knicks have changed his injury description from a sore toe to toenail avulsion. 

Landry Shamet started in his place and recorded 17 points. 

Mitchell Robinson was also out, with it being the first leg of a back-to-back. 

OG Anunoby NBAE via Getty Images

Josh Hart had a triple-double in Tuesday’s loss, recording 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. 

It was his 17th with the Knicks, moving him up past Richie Guerin — who had 16 — to third on the franchise’s all-time list. 


Jayson Tatum’s potential availability could have major Knicks ramifications in the playoffs. 

When he tore his Achilles in the playoffs against the Knicks last year, it was hard to fathom him playing this season for the Celtics. But he practiced with the Celtics G-League team Tuesday, a major step forward in his rehab. 



“It doesn’t mean that I’m coming back or I’m not, just following the plan,” said Tatum.


Mike Breen, the lead Knicks play-by-play announcer, called his first Knicks game since Jan. 19.

He had been away for over three weeks due to his ESPN responsibilities.

Why Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki-backed investors bought Italian team

The NBA announced in January that the league has expansion plans, in partnership with FIBA, to introduce a new league in Europe as early as 2027. It has already began to draw interest from investors who want in on the new league.

An investment group backed by Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki have plans to buy an Italian basketball team with hopes of joining the NBA-European league, according to The Athletic.

Sengun, Rockets square off against the Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers (25-28, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (33-19, third in the Western Conference)

Houston; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rockets -8.5; over/under is 210.5

BOTTOM LINE: Houston takes on Los Angeles in a matchup of Western Conference teams.

The Rockets have gone 19-15 against Western Conference teams. Houston ranks fourth in the league allowing just 109.7 points per game while holding opponents to 45.8% shooting.

The Clippers are 15-16 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles ranks ninth in the NBA giving up just 112.5 points while holding opponents to 46.6% shooting.

The Rockets average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.2 fewer makes per game than the Clippers give up (13.5). The Clippers average 12.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 more makes per game than the Rockets allow.

The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 102-95 in their last matchup on Feb. 11. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 26 points, and Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Durant is shooting 50.6% and averaging 25.9 points for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 19.1 points over the last 10 games.

Leonard is averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals for the Clippers. John Collins is averaging 16.4 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 7-3, averaging 105.7 points, 47.7 rebounds, 23.4 assists, 10.3 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.5 points per game.

Clippers: 6-4, averaging 110.7 points, 43.1 rebounds, 23.9 assists, 7.7 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.2 points.

INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).

Clippers: Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Darius Garland: out (toe).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

New York visits Philadelphia after Brunson's 40-point showing

New York Knicks (34-20, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (30-23, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Philadelphia; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: 76ers -2.5; over/under is 221.5

BOTTOM LINE: New York takes on the Philadelphia 76ers after Jalen Brunson scored 40 points in the Knicks' 137-134 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers.

The 76ers have gone 8-5 against division opponents. Philadelphia is seventh in the Eastern Conference with 16.1 fast break points per game led by Tyrese Maxey averaging 5.5.

The Knicks have gone 23-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. New York scores 117.6 points while outscoring opponents by 5.3 points per game.

The 76ers are shooting 46.1% from the field this season, the same percentage the Knicks allow to opponents. The Knicks are shooting 47.1% from the field, 0.1% higher than the 47.0% the 76ers' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Knicks won the last meeting 112-109 on Jan. 24, with Brunson scoring 31 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: VJ Edgecombe is averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals for the 76ers. Joel Embiid is averaging 23.6 points over the last 10 games.

Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 19.8 points and 11.9 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 25.6 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 6-4, averaging 116.1 points, 40.0 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points per game.

Knicks: 8-2, averaging 116.4 points, 46.5 rebounds, 28.2 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.7 points.

INJURIES: 76ers: Joel Embiid: day to day (knee), Dominick Barlow: day to day (illness), Quentin Grimes: day to day (illness).

Knicks: OG Anunoby: day to day (toe), Mitchell Robinson: day to day (ankle), Miles McBride: out (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

San Antonio plays Golden State following Castle's 40-point game

San Antonio Spurs (36-16, second in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (29-25, eighth in the Western Conference)

San Francisco; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Spurs -6.5; over/under is 219.5

BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio takes on the Golden State Warriors after Stephon Castle scored 40 points in the Spurs' 138-125 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Warriors are 19-15 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State is second in the Western Conference with 28.7 assists per game led by Draymond Green averaging 5.1.

The Spurs are 23-13 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio scores 118.0 points while outscoring opponents by 5.8 points per game.

The Warriors are shooting 46.1% from the field this season, 0.5 percentage points higher than the 45.6% the Spurs allow to opponents. The Spurs average 13.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 more makes per game than the Warriors allow.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Warriors won 109-108 in the last meeting on Nov. 15. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 49 points, and Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Moses Moody is scoring 11.4 points per game and averaging 3.3 rebounds for the Warriors. Gui Santos is averaging 12.0 points and 4.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.

De'Aaron Fox is averaging 19.5 points and 6.2 assists for the Spurs. Wembanyama is averaging 19.2 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 47.1% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 4-6, averaging 110.8 points, 40.0 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 12.4 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.4 points per game.

Spurs: 6-3, averaging 118.1 points, 47.2 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 7.4 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points.

INJURIES: Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Kristaps Porzingis: out (achilles), Will Richard: day to day (knee), Stephen Curry: out (knee), De'Anthony Melton: day to day (glute), Seth Curry: out (back).

Spurs: Lindy Waters III: day to day (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Indiana visits Brooklyn following overtime win against New York

Indiana Pacers (14-40, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (15-37, 13th in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Nets -4.5; over/under is 215

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana visits the Brooklyn Nets following the Pacers' 137-134 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.

The Nets are 11-21 in conference play. Brooklyn is 10-25 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Pacers are 10-26 in conference games. Indiana has a 4-23 record in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Nets average 107.6 points per game, 11.2 fewer points than the 118.8 the Pacers give up. The Pacers average 12.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 more makes per game than the Nets give up.

The teams square off for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Nov. 6 the Nets won 112-103 led by 32 points from Michael Porter Jr., while Pascal Siakam scored 23 points for the Pacers.

TOP PERFORMERS: Porter is averaging 25 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Nets. Nic Claxton is averaging 12.1 points over the last 10 games.

Siakam is averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. Andrew Nembhard is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 3-7, averaging 106.3 points, 44.4 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 7.3 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points per game.

Pacers: 4-6, averaging 115.5 points, 42.0 rebounds, 30.3 assists, 7.2 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.9 points.

INJURIES: Nets: Noah Clowney: day to day (ankle), Nic Claxton: day to day (hip), Michael Porter Jr.: out (knee).

Pacers: Obi Toppin: out (foot), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Jarace Walker: day to day (illness), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Bronny James stats: LeBron's son nets season-high after rejoining Lakers

Bronny James saw some game action as the Los Angeles Lakers were without five starters in a 136-108 loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

James logged 25 minutes of playing time in the blowout loss, as the Lakers played without Luka Doncic (hamstring), Austin Reaves (left calf), LeBron James (foot), Marcus Smart (right ankle) and Deandre Ayton (knee).

He scored a season-high 12 points on 50% shooting from the field, including a perfect two-for-two from deep. James added three rebounds and a block on the evening.

James also dished out a team-high six assists including a showtime alley-oop toss to rookie Adou Thiero, who went up top to slam it down with two hands.

James was assigned to the G-League following Lakers' Feb. 7 win against the Golden State Warriors. However, he was recalled, along with Thiero and Dalton Knecht ahead of Monday's 119-110 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James is averaging 1.9 points, 1.1 assists, 0.4 rebounds and 0.4 steals in 6.8 minutes per game. He's appeared in 27 games for the Lakers in the 2025-26 regular-season.

Bronny James stats:

Here is Bronny James' stat line vs the Spurs:

  • Points: 12
  • Rebounds: 3
  • Assists: 6
  • Field goal %: 5-for-10 (50%)
  • 3-point field goal %: 2-for-2 (100%)
  • Blocks: 1
  • Steals: 0
  • Turnovers: 2

Bronny James highlights:

Lakers vs. Spurs highlights

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronny James scores season-high after rejoining Lakers

Ike scores 20 points and Fogle adds 17 as No. 12 Gonzaga routs Washington State 83-53

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Graham Ike had 20 points and seven rebounds, Davis Fogle scored 17 off the bench and No. 12 Gonzaga routed Washington State 83-53 on Tuesday night for its ninth straight victory over the Cougars.

Mario Saint-Supery and Adam Miller added 11 points apiece for the Bulldogs (24-2, 12-1 West Coast Conference), who tied Santa Clara atop the league standings. The teams meet Saturday with first place on the line.

Jerone Morton scored 15 points while Ace Glass and Rihards Vavers each had 12 for Washington State (11-16, 6-8), also blown out at home by Gonzaga in January.

The Cougars were hampered by 39% shooting from the field and 21 turnovers. Gonzaga shot 55% and committed 12 turnovers.

Washington State's last win over Gonzaga came in 2010, though the Cougars own a 98-56 advantage in a series that began in 1907. Gonzaga has dominated since the turn of the century.

The Zags took control early, going on a 12-2 run midway through the first half to grab a 29-13 lead as WSU committed five turnovers in a four-minute span.

The Cougars did not make a field goal for six minutes as Gonzaga pushed its lead to 33-15 on Fogle's dunk.

Gonzaga led 48-21 at halftime, thanks to 62% shooting from the field. Washington State shot just 26%, including 2 of 15 from 3-point range. The Cougars committed 11 turnovers that led to 17 points for Gonzaga.

The Zags had 21 field goals in the first half, while the Cougars sank only six.

Up next

Washington State hosts Pacific on Feb. 18.

Gonzaga plays at Santa Clara on Saturday night.

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Short-handed Lakers fall to Spurs after Victor Wembanyama scores 40

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass while being guarded by Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard of the Los Angeles Lakers.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama is double-teamed.

When the Lakers opened their homestand with back-to-back wins over the 76ers and Warriors, giving them a three-game winning streak for the first time in a month, it looked like they were primed to head into the All-Star break with momentum on their side.

Forty-eight hours can change a lot.

Because once it became clear they’d be without most of their main players on Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves among the players who were in street clothes on the team’s bench, it was all but certain that the Lakers were going to drop back-to-back games after losing to the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.

And Spurs star Victor Wembanyama ensured that would be the case, recording a game-best 40 points (13-of-20 shooting) to go with 12 rebounds en route to handing the Lakers a 136-108 defeat at Crypto.com Arena. 

San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama is double-teamed. AP

Dendre Ayton and Marcus Smart were also sidelined for the Lakers.

With the Lakers short-handed, Luke Kennard and Drew Timme led the under-manned team with 14 points apiece.

But the Spurs carved up their defense with ease, shooting 56.5% from the field. 

What it means

The Lakers dropped to 32-21 on the season, but maintained their No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings because they own the tiebreaker over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

They’re looking to avoid their third three-game losing streak since mid-December. 

LeBron James watches from the sideline as Bronny James walks up the court during the first half. AP

Turning point

At 1:06 p.m. on Tuesday.

That’s when the Lakers announced they’d be without Doncic, James, Reaves and Smart.

And an hour before tipoff, Ayton was ruled out, sidelined with what could potentially be their starting lineup when fully healthy. 

MVP: Victor Wembanyama

If there were any doubts about what the result of Tuesday’s game would be after it became clear who the Lakers would be without, Wembanyama quickly erased them.

The 7-foot-4 French phenom scored 23 of the Spurs’ first 28 points, and exactly half of the first 46 points of the game between the Lakers and Spurs. 

Victor Wembanyama dunks the ball. AP

He had 25 first-quarter points through the game’s first eight minutes before being subbed out.

Wembanyama’s first-quarter scoring total was tied for the 10th-most in the play-by-play era (1996-97 season), with his eight minutes in the opening frame being the fewest among those 16 players who’ve scored at least 25 points in a first quarter.

Stat of the game: 26

That’s how many minutes Wembanyama needed to match his season-high scoring total. 

He became the third player in league history to score at least 40 points in fewer than 27 minutes, joining Patrick Ewing (1988) and “Sleepy” Floyd (1991).

It was the second-fewest minutes in a 40-point, 10-rebound game behind Ewing. 

Up next

The Lakers will continue their homestand, and play their final game before the All-Star break, when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

The Mavericks have lost eight straight games, with their losing streak starting when they fell to the Lakers on Jan. 24 in Dallas.

Wemby goes off, Spurs cruise by undermanned Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The significantly undermanned Lakers were overwhelmed by the Spurs in a 136-108 loss on Tuesday night. It’s the second loss in a row with one more game left until the All-Star break. 

The game started as we all expected, with Victor Wembanyama dominating. After a 3-pointer from Julian Champagnie to open the scoring for San Antonio, Wemby scored 17 straight points.

Kobe Bufkin had five points, while another welcome sight for LA was Jake LaRavia draining two 3-pointers.

Wemby was unstoppable, though, and finished the quarter with a ridiculous 25 points. The Spurs were shooting 66% from the field, while the Lakers shot 50%.

Despite being down big, LA had a balanced scoring effort with everyone except Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt putting some points on the board. 

Going into the second period, Los Angeles was down by 17. 

San Antonio started the second quarter, continuing their offensive onslaught with an instant 6-0 scoring run.

LaRavia was the first Laker in double figures with 10 points. However, he also had four fouls. The rest of the quarter was cardio, with a few spots here and there of decent offense from the Lakers that didn’t do a single thing to cut into the deficit. 

At halftime, the purple and gold were down by 29 while Wemby had 37 points.

Rui Hachimura started the third period with a jumper for LA. The Spurs converted on three 3-pointers, two of which were from Harrison Barnes. LaRavia’s night was over quickly as he fouled out with 10 points. 

Wemby had been scoreless for the first half of the quarter, but ended up draining a 3-pointer to hit 40 points for the night shortly before checking out.

Los Angeles did go on a nice 8-2 scoring run as the quarter ended. Kennard led LA with 14 points, while Hayes was close behind with 13 points. Going into the final frame, the Spurs were up by 34.

The fourth quarter saw both teams bringing in the depths of their benches to close out the final 12 minutes. Adou Thiero was back from injury and threw down an impressive dunk off an assist from Bronny James.

LA’s youngins put on a fun show, going on a 15-2 scoring run, until San Antonio’s bench responded with a 9-0 run to restore their dominant order. 

Key Player Stats

Kennard had 14 points with five assists. Hayes ended with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. LaRavia finished with 10 points and two rebounds before fouling out.

Bufkin pitched in with seven points and two rebounds. Drew Timme notched 14 points, going 5-8 from the field. Bronny James put up 12 points with six assists. 

The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at 7:00 PM PT.

You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.

San Antonio vs. Los Angeles, Final Score: Spurs wallop injury-plagued Lakers squad, 136-108

Victor Wembanyama put up 40 points in 26 minutes tonight to secure San Antonio its first Rodeo Road Trip win
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 10, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

San Antonio started its Rodeo Road Trip by displacing the Boston Celtics with the highest scoring half (84 to 83) by an opponent in Lakers’ franchise history on the way to a blowout win. Los Angeles, missing Luka Doncic, Lebron James, and Austin Reaves, could not stop Wembanyama from putting up a Gervin-like 25 point first quarter and 37 for the half in 18 total minutes. The Spurs surpassed 30+ points over the first three quarters, while keeping their field goal percentage well above 50% and nabbing 13 steals. The only down moment of the night came late in the first half, when Stephon Castle impressively turned away a Laker transition dunk at the rim, but fell awkwardly on his backside and didn’t return.

Victor Wembanyama (40 points and 12 rebounds) had a comically easy time generating his numbers tonight in comparison to some of his recent physical battles to push San Antonio to 17-10 on the road. Rookie Carter Bryant (16 points and 4 rebounds) continued his recent string of solid games, while fellow rookie Dylan Harper (15 points and 6 assists) shined just as brightly. Harrison Barnes (11 points and 3 steals) had a solid night off the bench.

Luke Kennard (14 points and 5 assists) and Jaxson Hayes (13 points and 4 rebounds) paced the Lakers in defeat. With a boxscore resembling an 80s backup center, Jake LaRavia finished with 10 points and 6 fouls.

Wembanyama scored 17 of San Antonio’s first 20 points with extraordinary creativity and accuracy, while Los Angeles struggled to find any movement and space. The Lakers looked like they were figuring out pre-season assignments during that initial Wemby-lanche. The impressive thing was that the Spurs drew Los Angeles into the foul bonus within minutes to expand out the offensive repertoire. Los Angeles started seeing its shots fall – enabling them to stay within 10-14 points. While Wembanyama sat, Keldon Johnson muscled home two lay-ups, Harper dribbled circles around his defenders, and a Kornet reverse tip-in made it 47-30.

San Antonio made sure to not play with its food and continued to add to its cushion through much of the second quarter. Wembanyama continued to feast from the interior while the standout guards – Fox, Harper, and Bryant – helped get the lead to as much as 30. Bryant, in particular, played the role of confident lead guard (especially after Castle went to the locker room after a tough fall) and the Spurs went to the half up 84-55.

San Antonio started the second half with consecutive threes from Harrison Barnes and Devin Vassell, but wasted several of possessions after. Kennard’s corner three did bring Los Angeles square with the Spurs for the period. Wembanyama continued his dominant offense over several minutes before the teams emptied their benches as the San Antonio lead stretched to 40.

Observations

  • What the h*** just happened Sequence: Midway through the second period and off a Spur steal, Fox kept it for himself on a 4-on-1 lay-up. On the ensuing steal, Fox made like he was going to take it in himself again, but threw a off-the-backboard lob for a Wembanyama slam.
  • It was nice to see Wembanyama start in the baseline / dunker spot in the first minute – he received a nice pass from Champagnie to draw two fouls at the rim. (This was before all of the following awesomeness happened).
  • Barnes, upon entering the action late in the first, sought out his offense – hitting a fadeaway in the lane. Could he be fill the role of series-changing bench contributor?
  • Right after Bronny James airballed a stepback by several feet, my wife quips “they should put him in the G-League.”
  • The LA broadcast was advertising a ‘2 free tacos if the Lakers win’ offer well into the first half.
  • Drew Timme (14 points), future Spurs assistant coach.
  • I was really happy to see Marcus Smart on the injury report. He is always good for 2-3 excessive fouls per game.
  • Carter Bryant is doing things: Late in the first half, Bryant, who could have given up on a drive, instead ripped the ball away from an unsuspecting Laker, drove into traffic, and whipped a pass out to Barnes for a three.
  • Carter Bryant is doing things: As an exclamation to an 84 point first half, Wembanyama – from the left block – found a cutting Bryant for a monstrous two-hand jam.
  • Bryant has the most flamboyant Spur rebounding form since Kevin Willis.
  • Sequence of the Game #1: Between the 11 and the 8 minute mark of the opening stanza, Wembanyama put up the quickest 17 points of his career.
  • Sequence of the Game #2:. San Antonio’s first two points of the second period came in transition on a perfectly exsecuted 2-man fastbreak between Fox (lobber) and Harper (dunker).
  • Sequence of the Game #3: Vassell knocked down a Kobe-like turnaround on Kennard late in the third; then stole an intended pass for Kennard and glided down the court for a dunk.

Game Rundown

After a Champagnie baseline three on the first possession, Wembanyama scored the next 17 in rapid and dominant succession for San Antonio. The Lakers were hesitant and tentative – missing often from distance. Outside of Bufkin’s two baskets, the Lakers fell behind by double-digits. Fox was the first Spur other than the previous two to get into the boxscore. LaRavia hit his shots to keep things interesting over the remainder of the quarter. In the final four Wemby-less minutes, San Antonio increased its advantage and exited the first up 17.

At the start of the second, Fox and Harper formed a solid battery – Fox fed for a Harper lob, then Fox fed for a Harper reverse. Bryant got in on the action with a power dunk to make it 53-30 with Stu Lantz lamenting “the Lakers looking at a TERRIBLE scoreboard.” LaRavia, picked up his fourth foul with over 9+ minutes left. Bryant bricked an open corner three, but confidently knocked down his next one seconds later. A baseline floater by Wembanyama made it 70-40. Castle had a spectacular chasedown block of a Hachimura dunk but had a difficult fall in the process. Wembanyama walked Kennard in for a Nerf dunk; then fed Bryant in the corner for a Danny Green three. LaRavia picked up his FIFTH FOUL with six seconds in the half, and the Spurs went to the break up 28.

Barnes and Vassell led off San Antonio’s scoring in the third with triples. LaRavia hilariously picked up his sixth foul with 7:43 in the third! Wembanyama’s wing three got the Spurs to 100 and himself to 40 – effectively ending the night for him. Harper’s transition and-1 pushed the Spur lead to 40 and San Antonio accomplished its goals of avoiding any more injuries while maintaining sufficient cushion to rest its starters for Wednesday’s tilt with Golden State, .


For the Lakers fan’s perspective, please visit Silver Screen and Roll.

San Antonio has a road SEGABABA with Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night at 9:00 PM CDT.

Victor Wembanyama stats: Spurs star sets team record vs. Lakers

San Antonio Spurs All-Star center Victor Wembanyama went off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.

Wembanyama dropped a Spurs-record 37 points in the first half of a 136-108 blowout against the Lakers, who were without five starters — Luka Doncic (hamstring), Austin Reaves (left calf), LeBron James (foot), Marcus Smart (right ankle) and Deandre Ayton (knee).

During the first half, Wembanyama shot an efficient 12-of-17 from the field, including three made 3-pointers. In addition, he pulled down eight rebounds.

Wembanyama's 37 points are the most in any half of a regular-season game by a Spurs player in the play-by-play era (since the 1997-98 season). Wemby got off to a hot start, scoring 25 points in the first quarter, missing just one shot on 8-of-9 shooting.

Victor Wembanyama sits out most of second half

Wembanyama added a 3-pointer in the third quarter with 4:34 remaining to give himself 40 points. Shortly thereafter, he was subbed out of the game with the Spurs holding a commanding 100-68 lead.

It's his sixth career 40-point game and his second of the 2025-26 regular season. Wembanyama scored 40 during the Spurs' season-opener against the Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama's career-high is 50 points, which he eclipsed on Nov. 13, 2024 against the Washington Wizards.

Highlights: Victor Wembanyama nets Spurs' record

Victor Wembanyama stats vs. Lakers

  • Points: 40
  • FG: 13-for-20 (4-for-6 from 3-point line)
  • Free Throws: 10-for-12
  • Rebounds: 12
  • Assists: 2
  • Steals: 2
  • Blocks: 1
  • Turnovers: 4
  • Fouls: 0
  • Minutes: 26

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wemby points, highlights: Spurs star hits stats milestone vs. Lakers

Lakers’ superstar Luka Dončić reportedly looking to buy team in Italy as part of NBA Europe power play

Luka Doncic in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.

Luka Dončić has always dreamt big. He left his home country of Slovenia as a boy to chase greatness at Real Madrid. He became an NBA prodigy at the age of 19 with the Dallas Mavericks. A global superstar when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers last winter. And now, he wants to be the owner of a professional basketball team.

In an exclusive report from The New York Times, Dončić is reportedly part of an investor group, spearheaded by former Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson, seeking to bring a franchise to Rome as part of the NBA’s bold new venture, NBA Europe.

Yes, Rome.

Dončić is reportedly part of an investor group seeking to bring a franchise to Rome as part of the NBA’s bold new venture. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Eternal City. The Colosseum. A market dripping in history and starving for top-tier professional basketball.

Nelson, 63, is the son of former NBA coach and executive Don Nelson, and was the architect of the 2018 draft-night trade to acquire Dončić from the Atlanta Hawks. According to The New York Times report, Nelson’s investment group has a preliminary agreement to purchase Vanoli Basket Cremona, a northern Italian club that holds a coveted Serie A license.

That license is the golden key. Any team in the new NBA Europe League must also compete domestically, and Cremona’s spot in Italy’s top league provides the legal and structural foothold.

From there, the real play begins.

Sources told The New York Times, that the group would establish a new franchise roughly 330 miles south in Rome, a city NBA commissioner Adam Silver has identified as a cornerstone market for the league’s projected 2027 launch. Rome currently has no top-division basketball team — a sleeping giant in a sports economy that understands spectacle and legacy better than most capitals on Earth.


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Silver’s NBA Europe project is not a side hustle. With projected buy-ins reportedly exceeding $1 billion in markets like London, this is high finance meets hardwood ambition. Investment heavyweights — Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, RedBird Capital, Sixth Street, Blackstone, Arctos — have circled. JP Morgan and the Raine Group are helping structure the gold rush.

Dončić, born in Ljubljana and raised in Madrid’s basketball cathedral, is no stranger to the European basketball market. He is the perfect spokesperson and embodiment of the global model Silver is trying to institutionalize. He isn’t just investing in a team. He’s investing in infrastructure, access and the next generation of European phenoms who won’t need to detour through someone else’s system.

And Dončić is not alone, former San Antonio Spurs point guard, and French native, Tony Parker, owns ASVEL, a team near the city of Lyon that is expected to join NBA Europe as well. Even former Lakers champion Pau Gasol is interested in a leadership role in the new league.

However, ownership rules for active NBA players remain unsettled. Conflicts of interest must be ironed out. Serie A mandates a two-year waiting period before a relocated franchise can change its name. But none of that feels insurmountable for Nelson and Dončić. 

If this Rome franchise materializes, it won’t just be another expansion team. It will be a declaration that the European basketball ecosystem is no longer a feeder system.

It’s a marketplace.

And Luka Dončić intends to own a piece of it.

Pacers beat Knicks 137-134 in OT, snap 4-game losing streak

NEW YORK (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 30 points, Andrew Nembhard had 24 points and 10 assists and the Indiana Pacers snapped a four-game losing streak by holding off the New York Knicks with a 137-134 overtime victory on Tuesday night.

The Pacers scored the first nine points of overtime and overcame a furious Knicks run over the final 24.3 seconds, during which they scored eight points in 20 seconds.

Indiana had eight players that scored in double figures and the Pacers’ bench outscored New York’s 43-18.

Jalen Brunson had 40 points and had eight assists and five rebounds for New York, which dropped only its second game in its past 11 overall and seventh time in 28 home games.

Josh Hart had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his second triple-double of the season for the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out with 2:14 left in overtime.

The Knicks entered tied for the NBA’s second-most home wins with 21. Indiana, which played without center Ivica Zubac (ankle), came in tied for the league’s fewest road wins (three) and with the worst road win percentage in the Eastern Conference at .120.

ROCKETS 102, CLIPPERS 95

HOUSTON (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 26 points and Alperen Sengun added 22 to help Houston to a victory over Los Angeles.

Houston led by six points at the start the fourth period and scored the first seven points of the quarter to extend its lead to 85-72 with 10 ½ minutes remaining. Kawhi Leonard made two free throws, but the Rockets scored the next four points to extend the lead.

The Rockets were up by 12 later in the fourth when Durant stole the ball from Brook Lopez, and Reed Sheppard made an off-balance 3-pointer to make it 92-77 with about 6 ½ minutes to go.

Houston remained up by 15 about a minute later when Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue cleared his bench.

Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points after scoring 41 in a blowout win in December in the last meeting between the teams. Los Angeles made 20 3-pointers in that 128-108 victory, but was just 8 for 30 from long range on Tuesday.

Jabari Smith Jr. had 13 points and 11 rebounds and Amen Thompson added 16 points for the Rockets in his return after sitting out of Saturday’s win over Oklahoma City because of an illness.

SUNS 120, MAVERICKS 111

PHOENIX (AP) — Dillon Brooks scored 23 points, Devin Booker had 19 and Phoenix beat Dallas to send the Mavericks to their eighth consecutive loss.

Naji Marshall had 31 points and Cooper Flagg finished with 27 for Dallas, which hasn’t won since beating Golden State at home on Jan. 22. It’s the Mavericks’ longest skid since also losing eight in a row in 2016.

Phoenix nearly led the entire game, taking a 2-1 lead on Booker’s turnaround jumper with 10:01 left in the first quarter and never trailing again. The Suns led by as many as 31 points at 61-30 on their way to what appeared would be a blowout win — until the Mavericks made a game of it late.

A putback basket by Flagg with 6:57 left cut Dallas’ deficit to 108-96, and the Mavericks cut it to six at 115-109 on Marshall’s floater with 2:09 remaining.

Booker made a mid-range jumper with 1:50 left and made one of two free throws to push Phoenix’s advantage to nine. After P.J. Washington’s driving layup for Dallas, Booker made a pullup jumper to cap the scoring and end the Mavericks’ furious comeback attempt.

SPURS 136, LAKERS 108

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Victor Wembanyama scored 37 of his season high-tying 40 points in the first half of San Antonio’s fifth straight victory, beating short-handed Los Angeles.

Wembanyama had the highest-scoring first half in the NBA this season and the highest-scoring half by a Spurs player in the 21st century while going 12 of 17 from the field with three 3-pointers against a Lakers lineup missing Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Wembanyama played only the first eight minutes of the second half with the Spurs far ahead in their 10th win in 13 games.

The French big man became the third player in the past 50 seasons to score at least 40 points while playing 27 minutes or fewer. He also had 12 rebounds.

Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart also sat out for the Lakers on the second night of a brutal back-to-back set against the Western Conference’s top two teams. Doncic and Smart are injured, while James, Reaves and Ayton are all managing health concerns.