San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center was buzzing on January 7, 2026, as fans awaited a marquee NBA clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers. Yet, the spotlight shone brightest on Victor Wembanyama—the Spurs’ 7-foot-4 phenom—whose return from injury had the basketball world holding its breath. On the other side, the Lakers faced a daunting task: taking the court without their legendary leader, LeBron James, who was sidelined due to lingering injuries.
Heading into the night, both teams had plenty at stake. The Spurs came in with a 25-11 record, sitting second in the Western Conference. The Lakers, not far behind at 23-11, were right in the thick of the playoff race. But the headlines revolved around Wembanyama’s availability and the Lakers’ depleted lineup.
Wembanyama’s journey to this game was anything but smooth. On December 31, 2025, he suffered a left knee hyperextension against the New York Knicks, later diagnosed as a bone bruise. The injury forced him to miss two consecutive games, and before that, he’d already sat out 12 straight due to a calf strain. For the Spurs, keeping their young centerpiece healthy has become a delicate balancing act.
Wembanyama, who just celebrated his 22nd birthday on January 4, was anything but patient with his recovery. "I’m always pressing," Wembanyama admitted with a grin, according to team reports. "They have to be mentally strong." His determination paid off. Despite being listed as questionable for the January 6 game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he convinced the Spurs’ medical staff to clear him for action. The result? A dazzling 30-point performance in just 21 minutes off the bench, though the Spurs ultimately fell 106-105 in a heartbreaker.
Coach Mitch Johnson described the situation as "one of those living, breathing kind of situations that we’re going to continue to juggle and balance until we don’t." The Spurs, he emphasized, are committed to prioritizing Wembanyama’s long-term health over immediate wins. "We want him to be healthy for years, not just trying to win the next couple games or whatever it may be," Johnson said. "He’s too important to this league, and he deserves that."
Wembanyama’s minutes remained tightly monitored. Against Memphis, he was capped at 21:01 of court time, forced to watch the final 3:46 from the bench as the game slipped away. "I've got to trust the process, got to trust my staff," Wembanyama remarked. "Basketball, it's a team thing. We have to trust each other but at the same time hold each other accountable." That night marked the seventh time this season he’d come off the bench, and he hadn’t logged more than 28 minutes since mid-November, when a calf injury first set him back.
His teammates felt the impact of his absence in crunch time. "He’s kind of the centerpiece of what we’re doing," forward Julian Champagnie said. "A lot of our stuff is centered around him. It’s tough for us as a team when he’s yo-yoing—he’s playing, then he’s not playing. We all know he wants to be out there, and we have to figure it out when he’s there or when he’s not there."
Despite the setbacks, Wembanyama’s numbers this season are nothing short of spectacular. Across 22 games, he’s averaging 24.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.8 blocks. Some sources put his averages at 24.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks—either way, he’s been a dominant force. With NBA rules requiring players to avoid four or more absences to remain eligible for individual awards, every game matters for the French sensation.
On the Lakers’ side, the absence of LeBron James loomed large. James, who had also been listed as questionable with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica, was officially ruled out for the Spurs game after a 30-point night in New Orleans that helped the Lakers secure a 111-103 victory. The Lakers were already shorthanded, missing Rui Hachimura (strained right calf) and Austin Reaves (strained left calf), leaving Luka Dončić to shoulder much of the offensive load. The stakes were high, with the Lakers riding a three-game winning streak and hungry to keep pace in the Western Conference.
Betting lines gave the Spurs a 7.5-point edge, but uncertainty around Wembanyama’s minutes and the Lakers’ lineup kept fans and analysts guessing. Player prop bets swirled around whether Wembanyama could clear the 21.5-point mark, a testament to his star power even in limited action.
Wembanyama’s influence on both ends of the floor can’t be overstated. His size alters shot selection, his defense disrupts opposing offenses, and his scoring gives the Spurs a dimension few teams can match. Even in a reserve role, he forces opponents to adjust their entire game plan. Coach Johnson, reflecting on Wembanyama’s impact, admitted, "He does things that are just unique. I’ve learned to not tell him what not (to do) and what to do. I just to try to help (remind) him maybe sometimes of when and how or what the rippling effect could be."
Wembanyama’s own approach to injury management is a work in progress. "It’s tough on that kid," Johnson said. "He’s got a lot of yo-yoing and back and forth. We’re trying to support him the best we can." The Spurs’ medical staff and coaching team remain steadfast in their commitment to his long-term well-being, occasionally protecting him from his own competitive drive.
As tipoff approached in San Antonio, all eyes were on whether Wembanyama’s knee would hold up for another night. The Spurs confirmed he was cleared to play, albeit under a minutes restriction and coming off the bench, with Luke Kornet likely starting at center. The Lakers, meanwhile, braced for a tough battle without their leader, hoping Luka Dončić and the supporting cast could rise to the occasion.
The outcome of the game remained up in the air as action unfolded, but one thing was certain: Victor Wembanyama’s health and presence would continue to shape not just the Spurs’ season, but the entire Western Conference picture. The Spurs’ cautious optimism, the Lakers’ resilience in the face of adversity, and the electric atmosphere in San Antonio set the stage for a matchup that promised drama, intensity, and no shortage of storylines.
With Wembanyama’s return, the Spurs’ championship aspirations remain alive, even as they balance the fine line between pushing for wins and protecting their franchise cornerstone. For now, fans can only watch and wonder—how far can the Spurs go with their young star back on the floor, and how will the Lakers adapt without their own legend in uniform? The answers, as always in sports, will unfold on the hardwood.
