- - Lakers survive near-collapse behind 35 and 13 from Luka Dončić, top Spurs as Victor Wembanyama fouls out

Jason OwensNovember 6, 2025 at 7:10 AM

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Nov 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) forward Harrison Barnes (40) and forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)

The San Antonio Spurs were in control of most of the fourth quarter Wednesday despite a poor shooting night from Victor Wembanyama.

But the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 106-97 deficit for a 118-116 win behind a big effort from Luka Dončić. They survived a near-collapse down the stretch to hold on for the win.

Dončić stepped back for a 3 with 2:31 remaining to give the Lakers their first lead of the quarter at 113-112. Less than a minute later, Wembanyama was called for for a charge for his sixth foul of the game. The Lakers never trailed again.

LUKA STEPBACK 3 FOR THE LEAD 😱113-112 LA with 1:39 left on ESPN!WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/ub18f251mT pic.twitter.com/wT0VjjiWbl

— NBA (@NBA) November 6, 2025

The Spurs finished the game without their superstar, and the Lakers held on for win in the battle of two of the West's best early-season teams.

Dončić came up one rebound short of a triple-double with 35 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds and five steals. He struggled from the field on a 9-of-27 shooting night. But he did enough across the board to lead the Lakers to victory.

By his lofty standards, Wembanyama struggled for a second straight game while posting 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block. He shot just 5 of 14 from the field and watched the game's final 1:40 seconds from the bench after fouling out.

Lakers almost give it away

The Lakers almost blew it late after appearing to have the win secured. Marcus Smart committed a turnover on an inbounds pass when he failed to get both feet out of bonds before delivering the pass with 1.2 seconds remaining.

Marcus Smart turns it over on the inbound pass with seconds left 😳 pic.twitter.com/lJ04RNuDUU

— ESPN (@espn) November 6, 2025

The Lakers then fouled Julian Champagnie on a shot with 0.2 seconds remaining after an inbounds pass with 0.4 seconds remaining. But Champagnie missed both free throws, and the Lakers survived with the 2-point victory.

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Source: “AOL Sports”