Lakers vs Spurs Game Preview: Of course the Spurs are still The Spurs

The Los Angeles Lakers are back to the grind with a visit to the San Antonio Spurs. Brandon Ingram looks like he’s blossoming in the second half of the season, but he’ll face a Kawhi Leonard-sized road block in Jordan Clarkson’s hometown.

The Spurs have flown under the radar while being just two-and-a-half games behind the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. Pushing on without Tim Duncan with the second-best defense (101.5 points allowed per 100 possessions, per NBA.com) and fourth-best offense (110.6 points score per 100 possessions). Leonard has taken on the mantle for San Antonio without a hitch, putting in a career year while the Spurs continue being The Spurs.

It was another inconsistent night for the Lakers against the Portland Trail Blazers, putting in one solid half before Damian Lillard’s reawakening brought on the collapse. The Lakers, playing as well as they have through spurts of 2017, still have bad habits to stamp out. These things clearly aren’t going to be solved overnight, but bouncing back with a spirited effort on the road would be the hoped-for response.

Overall it’s hard to be overly tough on the up-and-down results we’re seeing right now when it feels like the Lakers have put December behind them. Getting re-acclimated to D’Angelo Russell running point took some time, and they’re still without Larry Nance, Jr. As long as the trend continues upward, so be it.

Enjoy the game.

Time: 5:30 p.m. PT

TV: Spectrum SportsNet