Lakers top Mavericks, storm into NBA Cup knockout round

San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper expressed his excitement about playing for the team after leading them to a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Harper's performance has been pivotal as he helped the Spurs advance to the semifinals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Rich Paul, the agent for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, has publicly criticized the suggestion that James's status is leveraged to secure better contracts for other clients. This statement follows Paul's remarks about the Lakers' defensive struggles, emphasizing his commitment to transparency in his role as an agent.

The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Cup after a quarterfinal loss to the San Antonio Spurs, with Marcus Smart's performance standing out as a bright spot amidst the team's struggles. The Lakers' bench failed to deliver, contributing to the disappointing outcome of the tournament.

The Los Angeles Lakers have opted to use their regular court for the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena, following concerns raised by Luka Doncic about the safety of the alternate court due to its slippery surface. This decision prioritizes player safety ahead of the crucial matchup.

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced they will not utilize the alternate NBA Cup court for their quarterfinal matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. This decision comes as the team prepares for a crucial game in the NBA Cup tournament, where they have previously secured a perfect 4-0 record in the group stage.

The New York Knicks secured a decisive 117-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, with Jalen Brunson playing a pivotal role. The win not only eliminated the Raptors from the tournament but also showcased the Knicks' strong performance as they advance further in the competition. Brunson's response to a courtside fan's flopping allegations added an entertaining subplot to the game.

The Miami Heat faced a disappointing 117-108 loss to the Orlando Magic, marking their fourth consecutive defeat and eliminating them from contention for the NBA Cup, which would have included a trip to Las Vegas for the final rounds. The game began with the Heat taking a commanding 15-0 lead, but they ultimately faltered, unable to maintain their momentum against the Magic.

Victor Wembanyama, the standout player for the San Antonio Spurs, will miss the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a calf injury. This news comes after his recent return to practice, raising hopes for his participation in the NBA Cup Tournament. However, he is still unable to play, which is disappointing for fans and the team alike.