Jarred Vanderbilt reveals worrying trend about Lakers’ defense

The Los Angeles Lakers, currently holding a 17-7 record, are facing scrutiny regarding their defensive performance as rival teams prepare for their upcoming matchups. Marcus Smart highlighted the Lakers' defensive struggles, indicating that teams are likely to exploit these weaknesses as the season progresses.

The San Antonio Spurs ended the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive winning streak in the NBA Cup semifinals, a match recapped by Kevin O’Connor and Amin Elhassan. This victory highlights the Spurs' resilience and tactical prowess as they advance in the tournament.

In a thrilling NBA Cup semifinal, Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a narrow 111-109 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the Thunder's second loss in 26 games. Wembanyama, returning from a 12-game injury absence, scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, showcasing his significant impact on the game.

Victor Wembanyama made a significant impact in his return from a 12-game absence, scoring 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-109 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. This win marks just the second loss for the Thunder this season and secures the Spurs a spot in the NBA Cup final against the New York Knicks.

Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs exited the NBA Cup Semifinals due to a hip injury, having scored 25 points in the first half before leaving the game. His performance was pivotal in keeping the Magic's hopes alive in the tournament.

The New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Cup final after a remarkable performance by Jalen Brunson, who scored 40 points in the decisive game. This victory highlights the team's resilience and offensive strength, particularly after overcoming a challenging first half against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they allowed 62 points but rallied to win 118-109.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a 132-119 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarter-finals, highlighting ongoing defensive issues within the team. Head coach JJ Redick addressed these struggles, emphasizing the need for improvement on the defensive end.

Veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt is looking for an opportunity to contribute defensively for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially with Austin Reaves sidelined due to a calf strain. Vanderbilt had previously fallen out of the rotation following LeBron James' return from injury, but the current situation may allow him to regain playing time.