Lakers @ Spurs Preview
There was a time not too long ago when the San Antonio Spurs taking on the LA Lakers would have been a marquee game. It still garners a lot of attention due to both team’s loyal fan base, but this match up does not have the big game feel it would have a couple years ago. The main reason for this is the Lakers are struggling.
News broke a few days ago that Kobe Bryant is to be out for the season. Not that he would have been able to do much to help mend the Lakers .338 win-loss percentage.
Players Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Lakers legend Magic Johnson have all ripped Lakers management for the mismanagement of the team. They have showed very little effort and rumor is they will continue to do so with the hopes of picking up free agents for a couple years to put around Bryant and then making a big run in the 2015-16.
The question is will Gasol and Bryant still be in LA at that point.
Gasol trade rumors have been brewing since early last season and Bryant’s injuries have been becoming less freakish accident and more frequent over the last couple of years. Meaning, Gasol may be out of a Lakers jersey sooner rather than later and Kobe is looking at his final few years in the NBA and, with only two more years on his contract, does he even stick with the Lakers for his final run?
Not to mention the fact that Steve Nash is also likely out for the season with an injury as well. Nash is also close to retirement.
In their last outing the Lakers were absolutely dominated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing 131-102.  They now prepare to face with the best record in the West in the Spurs.
The Spurs are currently on an eight-game run and with only the Lakers and a handful of other teams with win-loss percentages below .500, most assume that streak is going to be extended.
The Spurs beat two playoff contenders in their last outings in the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers. They are now eyeing the Lakers.
The Spurs have beaten the Lakers in their last five meetings, including last year’s playoff sweep.
The Spurs are the huge favorites to win this game with a –17.5 point spread. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET. You can watch it on NBA TV. The Lakers will face the Spurs again Wednesday night, this time as the hosting team.
