Leonard leads San Antonio past Lakers
LOS ANGELES—With the Los Angeles Lakers in the middle of their latest franchise upheaval, the San Antonio Spurs showed their young opponents what steady excellence looks like.
Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and the Spurs routed the Lakers 119-98 on Sunday in Los Angeles’ first home game since Magic Johnson took over the franchise’s basketball operations.
Pau Gasol added 15 points against his former team, which has lost four straight and 15 of
19. Five days ago, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss fired her top two basketball executives, including her brother, and put Johnson in
charge.
Gasol left the Lakers as a free agent three years ago at the start of their descent into the worst four-season stretch in franchise history. After his stormy history with Hollywood’s favorite team, Gasol has a special appreciation for the drama-free winning environment created by Gregg Popovich, R.C. Buford and the Spurs.
“The Spurs’ record and trajectory over the last 19 seasons speaks for itself,” Gasol said. “It’s just a model of consistency, excellency and how to get it done. The way they build the culture around here is really impressive. I’m just glad to be a part of it, and now let’s see if we can do something special.”
LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points for the Spurs, who wrapped up their eight-game road trip with six victories. San Antonio has won four straight and nine of 11 overall, steadily cruising toward a Southwest Division title and another playoff run in six weeks.
LAKERS LOSE
Rookie Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 22 points as the Lakers fell to 19-41, ensuring their fourth consecutive non-winning season. Coach Luke Walton was dismayed by his young roster’s effort while falling behind by 21 points in the first half, calling it “unacceptable.”
“I don’t know if it was the early start or what,” Walton said. “I love our guys and I’m supportive toward them, and I think they did a good job in the second half. But that first half, that can’t happen if we’re trying to build and trying to get somewhere.”
Jordan Clarkson scored 19 points and D’Angelo Russell had 18 for the Lakers, who have lost their first two games since Buss dismissed general manager Mitch Kupchak and her brother, Jim.