Preview: Spurs at Lakers Features MVP-Caliber Guard Duel LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A high-stakes Western Conference showdown is set for Wednesday night at crypto.com Arena as the Los Angeles Lakers host the San Antonio Spurs in a matchup featuring two of the NBA’s most dynamic players. The Lakers (17-6) enter with the superior record, but the visiting Spurs (15-7) have proven to be a formidable opponent, falling just 118-116 to Los Angeles in their first meeting this season on Nov. 5. All eyes will be on the point guard battle between San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox and Los Angeles’ Luka Doncic, both of whom are in the midst of stellar campaigns. Fox has been the catalyst for the Spurs, averaging 26.3 points and 7.5 assists over his last 10 games. He is coming off a 25-point, nine-assist performance in a 130-117 road loss to Cleveland on Friday. Doncic, however, is playing at a historic level for the Lakers. He recorded a 31-point, 15-rebound, 11-assist triple-double in Sunday’s 112-108 win at Philadelphia, his fourth triple-double in the last 10 contests. During that span, he has averaged 33.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 9.3 assists. “The level of talent on the floor with those two guys is what you pay to see,“ Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said in a statement Tuesday. “We have to be disciplined on both ends to compete with a team of their caliber.“ Beyond the star guards, the Lakers boast a potent supporting cast. LeBron James, 40, remains a force, contributing 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the win over the 76ers. Center Deandre Ayton provides a strong interior presence, averaging a double-double. The Spurs counter with a balanced attack. Alongside Fox, Devin Vassell (28 points vs. Cleveland) and Keldon Johnson offer consistent scoring punch. San Antonio has shown resilience, winning seven of its last 10 despite the recent loss. The Lakers have won eight of their last 10, though they suffered a 126-105 defeat in Boston last Friday. They have been dominant at home, boasting a 10-2 record at crypto.com Arena this season. The over/under for the game is set at 234.5 points, reflecting both teams’ offensive capabilities. The Spurs average 118.9 points per game, while the Lakers average a league-best 122.7. Following this game, the Lakers begin a three-game road trip on Dec. 18 in Utah. The Spurs return home to host Washington on Dec. 17. The teams will meet again in San Antonio on Jan. 7. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.