The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers are entering this season with the same expectations: build on the year prior.
For the Spurs, that means getting Victor Wembanyama into the playoffs for the first time. The Lakers, meanwhile, have title hopes. Their core of LeBron James and Luka Doncic seems poised to take the next step, and James is willing to step into a smaller role.
After battling some injuries last season, the Lakers are fully healthy. The Spurs will get Wembanyama back, but a hamstring injury is expected to keep De’Aaron Fox out for the first few games, which could have dire consequences.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 17: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Expected to Have Slow Start
With Fox out for training camp and the preseason, the Spurs will effectively have a new and unfamiliar lineup when he makes his return. Last year, Wembanyama found success with Chris Paul and built chemistry with Stephon Castle. With Dylan Harper seemingly poised to return to action shortly, Fox could be the odd man out.
“De’Aaron Fox has played five games with Wemby, so it’s not only about being able to figure out the guard rotation with those two and Stephon Castle, but De’Aaron Fox has had next to no time to create any kind of chemistry with the guy who’s the face of the franchise,” explained ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on the September 30 erpisode of the Hoops Collective podcast. “It’s not like a disastrous situation, but it sure ain’t ideal.”
Meanwhile, the Lakers were able to integrate Doncic into the lineup last season, and can hit the ground running this offseason and in the opening weeks.
James, to his credit, is willing to take a back seat to Doncic if it translates to winning.
“That was one of the things that LeBron talked about today, was the opportunity to play alongside Luka throughout the whole start of the season,” added Brian Windhorst. “He also said, LeBron, that knowing he was not going to have the ball in his hand as much, worked in the offseason on catch and shoot 3s, for example, knowing that he’s going to maybe do a little bit more of that.”
Spurs and Lakers Are In Different Spots
It should go without saying that the Spurs, building around a third-year center, and the Lakers, focused on an All-NBA guard, have different visions. However, their goal is the same.
The Lakers, unlike San Antonio, should be able to hit the ground running. James seemingly understands his role, and Doncic is in shape and ready to contend for his first MVP award.
Wembanyama is one of the very best players in the world and is the best defender, although he is falling victim to the same shortcoming he’s faced throughout his career: his supporting cast simply is not elite.
Yes, the Spurs gave him a boost by trading for Fox, but if Fox isn’t healthy enough to develop and on-court rapport with the French star, this season could get off to a slow start for the Spurs.
In a crowded Western Conference, a slow start could spell doom for their playoff hopes.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post San Antonio Spurs Earn LA Lakers Comparison, They Might Fall Short appeared first on Heavy Sports.