Spurs Dismantle Lakers, 119-98

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 119-98, at Staples Center
on Sunday afternoon. The Lakers (19-41) generated a renewed sense of optimism
with the hiring of the legendary Magic Johnson to the President of Basketball
Operations post at the All-Star break, but the harsh reality of an upstart squad
has manifested itself since then. Los Angeles has now lost all three games of
the Magic era following Sunday’s defeat, which saw them get dominated in all
phases. The Spurs (45-13) shot 52.1 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from
three-point range, while also eliciting 18 turnovers from their over-matched
hosts. Kawhi Leonard led the way for San Antonio with 25 points, which he
supplemented with three rebounds and one assist. LaMarcus Aldridge followed with
16 points, nine boards and one assist. Pau Gasol came off the bench to tally 15
points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Dewayne Dedmon continued to run
with the first unit, supplying 11 points, nine boards, three assists and one
steal. Tony Parker generated a near double-double with eight points, nine
assists and three rebounds. Patty Mills and Kyle Anderson led the second unit
with matching nine-point efforts. Brandon Ingram paced the Lakers with a
career-high 22 points, which he supplemented with two rebounds and one block.
Jordan Clarkson stepped up with a bench-leading 19 points, along with two
rebounds and two assists. D’Angelo Russell was right behind him with 18 points,
five boards, three assists and one steal. Julius Randle totaled a modest six
points but he also hauled in 12 rebounds and dished out four dimes. Thomas
Robinson turned in strong work off the bench with nine points, eight rebounds
and four steals. The Spurs head back home to face the Indiana Pacers on
Wednesday night, while the Lakers remain home and await the Charlotte Hornets
for a Tuesday night showdown.