Lakers’ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Injures Himself in Win Over San Antonio Spurs

The Los Angeles Lakers won their first meeting against the San Antonio Spurs quite comfortably. LeBron James enjoyed a memorable 26-point  birthday performance. However, the second tie between them was everything but comfortable for either of the sides.

In a back-and-forth battle, both the sides kept it neck-to-neck until the very end. Bron and AD saw an equally aggressive challenge from DeMar DeRozan and Keldon Johnson. Finally, the Lakers’ duo came on top, but something from the second quarter left a bad taste in their mouth.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope injured himself

KCP suffered a left ankle injury during the second half of the game. He had played for just 17 minutes when he suffered the injury. With 2 offensive rebounds and 11 points at 50% from the field, the 27-YO was looking in a good rhythm when he had to exit from the game. The X-rays later confirmed he won’t return.

A regular in the Lakers’ starting line-up KCP had 10 points against the Spurs in their last meeting where he scored at 66.66% from the 3-point range. Will he be back for the next game or not is yet not clear. However, just in case he is given further rest, Frank Vogel will have youngster Talen Horton-Tucker who can start in his place.

In the post-game interview, an optimistic KCP expressed, “Hopefully I can go in a couple days.”

Lakers shocked the Spurs in the very end

With just about a minute remaining, the two teams were 103-103, and it felt as if this game could go towards OT. However, Kyle Kuzma’s tip shot followed by LeBron’s 6-ft jump bank shot and a couple of free throws from Anthony Davis took everything away from the Spurs in a spur of a moment. 

LeBron James’ triple-double came right on time to save the Lakers as AD added 34 points too. Surprisingly, Marc Gasol was scoreless after 20 minutes of play as he attempted only two shots. Nevertheless, he helped in rebounding and playmaking as the Lakers marginally saved themselves from a scare. 

Now, the men in Golden and Purple are 4-2 and will next meet Memphis Grizzlies who are coming from their victory against the Hornets.