Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs – Preview & Prediction (Dec. 10, 2025)
Game preview
This matchup comes with extra intensity — it’s an NBA Cup quarterfinal, so both clubs will be fired up. The Lakers have looked much more serious this season and are playing with purpose. Their star returned after missing time for the birth of his child and immediately made an impact with a huge triple-double (35 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists). That kind of production has helped the team climb the standings; depth has been a big factor for them so far.
Despite the offensive firepower, the Lakers still have work to do on defense. Their defensive rating sits among the league’s weaker groups, and that could become a problem once the schedule tightens up. On the bright side, role players have stepped up in stretches when veterans were sidelined, and the front office look to keep the supporting pieces clicking alongside the stars.
The Spurs have been a pleasant surprise at times this season. They’ve battled injuries and haven’t often had a full roster together, yet they’ve managed a strong record through solid team play. Their recent win over New Orleans showed both their potential and their inconsistency: a big early lead nearly slipped away late, forcing clutch plays down the stretch.
San Antonio’s biggest question has been health. Victor Wembanyama has missed time with a calf issue but appears closer to a return, and when he’s on the floor the Spurs look much more dangerous. They also have several players who can take over a game on any night, so the depth of scoring is a real strength if they can find consistency.
Injuries, head-to-head and prediction
Head-to-head this season: the teams met once in early November, and the Lakers pulled away with a strong final quarter.
Injury notes: Marcus Smart is questionable for the Lakers. For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Harrison Ingram and Jordan McLaughlin are listed as questionable.
Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. EST on December 10th. Given the Lakers’ current form and their roster depth, they look a bit more likely to control this one, especially if San Antonio isn’t at full strength. Expect a motivated Lakers squad to cover a modest margin — lean Lakers to win by a handful of points. A reasonable score projection might be Lakers 112, Spurs 104.
