The Lakers’ NBA Cup defense crashed out in the quarterfinals as San Antonio ran away with a 132–119 win at Crypto.com Arena. A young Spurs team built a lead that ballooned to 24 points in the fourth quarter and coolly resisted a late Lakers surge to book its ticket to Las Vegas.

San Antonio reached the semifinals despite the continued absence of Victor Wembanyama, who missed another game with a calf strain but watched as his teammates pushed the pace and attacked in transition.

The victory sends the Spurs into a showdown with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Lakers are left to regroup before a trip to Phoenix.

Castle and Fox Lead Guard-Driven Spurs

Stephon Castle owned the night, erupting for 30 points and double-digit rebounds while repeatedly punishing Los Angeles off the dribble and in pick-and-roll. The rookie guard scored most of his points after halftime, guiding a second-half burst that kept the Lakers chasing the game.

De’Aaron Fox added 20 points as part of a guard trio with Castle and Dylan Harper that constantly probed the paint and kicked the ball out to shooters. Keldon Johnson chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds off the bench as seven Spurs finished in double figures, a reflection of the balanced, drive-and-kick style that has carried San Antonio to nine wins in its last 12 outings without Wembanyama.

Lakers’ Cup Dream Ends Early

Luka Doncic tried to drag the Lakers back with 35 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while LeBron James produced 19 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, including a vintage poster dunk that briefly ignited the arena. Yet defensive breakdowns on the perimeter and frustration that boiled over into technical fouls undercut any realistic comeback hopes.

The loss stings for a franchise that won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 and had cruised unbeaten through group play this season, positioning itself as a favorite for a second title.

Instead, the Lakers exit in the quarterfinals and are reminded that in this newer competition, the margin between past champions and hungry upstarts like the Spurs can vanish in a single high-stakes night.