LeBron James has fresh legs and no Victor Wembanyama to worry about when his Los Angeles Lakers host the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals tonight.
My Spurs vs. Lakers predictions expect a vintage performance from LeBron on Wednesday, December 10.
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Read more in my NBA picks, with tip-off set for 10:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
Spurs vs Lakers prediction
Spurs vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 18.5 points (-115)
The San Antonio Spurs were hoping to have Victor Wembanyama back for this tournament tilt as he traveled with the team to L.A. However, the Spurs were quick to announce that he would not play, updating his status last night.
San Antonio desperately misses the 7-footer on both ends of the floor, but the defense has seen a notable slip without Wemby’s length causing chaos. The Spurs were the No. 6 team in advanced defensive rating before his injury in mid-November and have slid to 21st in that metric in the 11 games without him.
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The interior protection has fallen off a cliff without Wembanyama’s 8-foot-4 wingspan blocking and changing shots. San Antonio allows the second fewest points in the paint per game (40) with him in action, but sees opponents’ PITP surge to 55.6 (29th) since his calf injury.
LeBron James is averaging 7.7 PITP in his first seven games since missing the start of the schedule with back issues — making up 48% of this scoring output. Against the Sixers on Sunday, LeBron upped that inside presence to 10 points in the painted area.
Projections for today’s NBA Cup game have him pegged for around 17 points, but with models updating for Wembanyama’s absence, those forecasts sit closer to 20 points against the Spurs tonight.
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Spurs vs Lakers same-game parlay
James looks like he worked off the rust and can attack this Spurs interior without Wemby on the court.
San Antonio’s defensive chops have crumbled without their star in the middle. The Spurs have gone Over the total in five of their last six games.
The Lakers just have too much firepower for the Spurs to handle, especially on their home court.
Spurs vs Lakers SGP
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LeBron James Over 18.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: TEASER
Harrison Barnes has upped his scoring in Wembanyama’s absence and scored 24 last time out against the Pelicans.
Spurs vs Lakers SGP
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LeBron James Over 18.5 points
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Harrison Barnes Over 12.5 points
Spurs vs Lakers odds
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Spread: Spurs +6.5 | Lakers -6.5
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Moneyline: Spurs +200 | Lakers -240
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Over/Under: Over 237.5 | Under 237.5
Spurs vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Spurs are 8-4 Over/Under as a visitor this season and have topped the total in 57% of their road games going back to last season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Lakers.
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How to watch Spurs vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Spurs vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
