Lakers eliminated from NBA Cup after lackluster loss to Spurs in quarterfinals

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers' hopes of becoming two-time NBA Cup champions were cut short on Wednesday following a lackluster 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, canceling their trip to Las Vegas and advancing to the semifinals.

Although the loss doesn't count against the Lakers' record, the defeat is their third in the past five games since going on a seven-game win streak. All three games in which they have lost by double digits.

The Spurs' speed and athleticism caused a major disruption all night versus the Lakers' defense, leading to a night that had San Antonio score 27 fast break points and 54 bench points behind seven players scoring in double figures.

"The things that help you win on the margins, we're just not very good at right now. We gotta ask a little bit more of everybody," coach JJ Redick said on figuring it out in multiple areas. "We've consistently got exposed in the same things."

Stephon Castle was San Antonio's hot hand with a season-high 30 points (10 rebounds, six assists) on an efficient 10-for-14 shooting and three made 3s.

Each time the Lakers tried to create any sort of spark or run, the Spurs countered it with a gut-wrenching 3, making 17 total on the night, or a high-effort bucket. The Spurs showed more effort in the wanting-it-more department, which resulted in multiple 20-point leads throughout the game, the largest being 24.

The Lakers had multiple runs that got them closer to reaching. One right before the half, behind a surge from Luka Dončić and LeBron James, who rocked the house with an emphatic monster one-handed facial on Luke Kornet. James finished with 19 points and a season-high 15 rebounds and three blocks.

Dončić had his ninth straight game with over 30 points, notching 35 points, five rebounds and eight assists.

The other came from behind in the fourth quarter after Marcus Smart, who made his return after missing the last six games, poured in four 3s in the final quarter. His effort kept the Lakers' fight going, finishing with 26 points on eight-for-14 shooting from 3-point range off the bench.

"When you're out for a while, trying to get your wind is a little tough.  The back felt really good. I just wanted to bring a little spark for us," Smart said. "Wish the outcome was different."

But his surge was the only impact from the Lakers' reserves, with the rest of the bench combining for five points.

Despite a constant battle climbing back from multiple 20-point leads, the Lakers shot nearly identically in shooting percentages.

Lakers: 49.4% (43-for-87) from the field, 43.2% (16-of-37) from 3

Spurs: 50% (43-for-86) from the field, 44.7% (17-of-38) from 3

However, the Spurs' knack for getting to the foul line widened the gap, attempting 36 shots (made 29) from the charity stripe compared to L.A.'s 23 (made 17).

Austin Reaves' struggles continued with his second straight game under 16 points. Reaves hit just six of his 16 attempts with 15 points (eight rebounds, seven assists).

"The reality is the guy has carried us for six weeks. That takes a toll on you," Redick said on Reaves' struggles. "He's going to have of great nights than frustrating nights."

The Lakers will now face the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday, who also lost in the quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.