The Spurs host the Lakers in a key Western Conference game amid injuries and rising competition.

The San Antonio Spurs, reeling from their first loss of the season to the Phoenix Suns, host the Los Angeles Lakers in a crucial Western Conference clash. Despite Victor Wembanyama's season-low nine points and nine turnovers, rookie Dylan Harper scored 12 before a calf injury. De'Aaron Fox remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, but Stephon Castle has stepped up with 20.0 points per game. The Lakers, missing LeBron James and Luka Doncic, remain strong at 6-2, highlighted by DeAndre Ayton’s 29-point, 10-rebound performance and Nick Smith Jr.’s 25-point, five-three-pointer outing off the bench. The game tests both teams’ resilience amid injuries and rising Western Conference competition.