Without Davis, Russell, Reddish, shorthanded Lakers Lose Big (129-115) to the Spurs.

It was the second go-around between the Lakers and Spurs in San Antonio, along with a second radically different look for the purple and gold. LeBron James returned from his absence Wednesday, but Anthony Davis (groin), D'Angelo Russell (non-COVID illness) and Cam Reddish (knee) all missed the contest, rendering the Lakers an entirely more hapless group from jump street, where they fell down 20 points after the first quarter. There were a few pushes, including a second quarter rally cutting the lead down to four. But nothing was ever sustainable, and moreover, the team looked exhausted from having played three games in four nights on the road, plus the energy expended during the IST. Throw in the notable (if predictable) dropoff from AD to (foul magnet) Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood, plus a huge night from Devin Vassell, and the Lakers looked like the far inferior team. Even taking into account the circumstances, disappointing results. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Dave.com Dave is the financial app that's leveling the financial playing field. Download Dave today at Dave.com/LOCKEDONNBA. You could get up to $500 in 5 minutes or less! No credit check. No late fees.  eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Score early this NFL season with FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook! Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR MONEYLINE BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your team wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices