Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham recently shed light on the potential availability of LeBron James for the upcoming matchup against the San Antonio Spurs following Thursday night's game. With anticipation brewing among fans and analysts alike, Ham's remarks provided a glimpse into James' status for the impending clash.
"We'll get an official word (Friday) morning and see, but in all likelihood, he should be out there (Friday night)," Ham expressed, hinting at James' probable presence on the court for the Lakers' face-off against the Spurs.
The Spurs, on the other hand, are set to embark on a journey southward following a narrow 127-122 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Despite the defeat, standout performances from Devin Vassell, who scored 32 points, and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who notched 19 points and 13 rebounds, showcased the team's resilience. Additionally, contributions from Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan underscored the Spurs' depth in scoring, with both players adding significant points off the bench.
In a game characterized by momentum swings, San Antonio found themselves trailing by double digits at various points before mounting a spirited comeback. Wembanyama's clutch play, culminating in a pivotal three-point play late in the game, epitomized the Spurs' determination. However, despite briefly seizing the lead, they ultimately succumbed to a late surge from Sacramento, signaling their second consecutive loss and extending a streak of struggles, having dropped nine of their past ten games.
The upcoming showdown against the Lakers holds added significance for the Spurs, as they seek to reverse their fortunes on the road. With a record of 1-5 in the initial six games of their annual Rodeo Road Trip, San Antonio aims to secure a much-needed victory against a formidable Lakers squad.
Having split their previous encounters earlier in the season, with both games hosted in San Antonio, the Spurs and Lakers find themselves locked in a compelling rivalry. The Lakers clinched a narrow 122-119 victory on December 13th, only for the Spurs to retaliate two nights later with a resounding 129-112 triumph, snapping a franchise-record 18-game losing streak.
As the stage is set for another thrilling matchup between these two storied franchises, fans await with bated breath to witness the outcome and whether LeBron James will indeed grace the court, adding another layer of intrigue to an already captivating contest.