NBA: Lakers build huge lead, hang on to extend Spurs' woes

Anthony Davis poured in 37 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the visiting Los Angeles Lakers built a 20-point lead and held on late for a 122-119 win over the reeling San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday in the first of two games between the teams in the Alamo City in a three-night span.

The Lakers have won five of their past six while San Antonio dropped its 18th straight game, adding to a franchise-record losing streak. The Spurs have not won since Nov. 2.

Los Angeles played the second of a road back-to-back that started with a two-point loss at Dallas on Tuesday. The Lakers played Wednesday without LeBron James, who was ruled out with a left calf contusion.

The Lakers led by 19 points midway through the third quarter and by 18 heading into the fourth. San Antonio roared back late, cutting its deficit to one point when Victor Wembanyama hit a free throw with 21.9 seconds to play. Davis canned a pair of free throws with 17.3 seconds left and an offensive foul by Wembanyama on the Spurs' ensuing possession short-circuited any chance at a late tie.

Taurean Prince added 17 points for the Lakers, with Austin Reaves hitting for 15 off the bench, Rui Hachimura scoring 13 points and D'Angelo Russell contributing 12 points and 10 assists.

Wembanyama led San Antonio with 30 points and 13 rebounds while Keldon Johnson added a season-high 28 points, Malaki Branham had 19 and Devin Vassell scored 13 points.

Los Angeles led for all but the game's early moments, as eight consecutive points by Davis beginning at the 9:25 mark of the first quarter giving the Lakers a 15-11 advantage. Los Angeles led 34-26 after one period when Reaves canned a turnaround jumper with two seconds remaining.

Los Angeles led by as many as 18 points in the second quarter after Prince hit a 3-pointer with 3:41 to play before halftime. The Spurs clawed back to within 11 points when Wembanyama dunked on the run with 29 seconds remaining but Los Angeles responded with Davis' finger roll 18 seconds later that gave the Lakers a 63-50 lead at the break.

Davis led all scorers with 24 points in the first half while Hachimura added 11. Wembanyama had 12 points to lead San Antonio. — Field Level Media/Reuters