The Los Angeles Lakers can't run away from the very real, very threatening defensive problems that could, if not corrected, derail any hopes they have of competing for an NBA title.

Stephon Castle led the Spurs to a 132-119 win with 30 points and 10 rebounds as seven San Antonio players scored in double figures. Luka Dončić paced the Lakers with 35 points, and LeBron James had 19 points and 15 rebounds.

The Spurs are 4-1 over the last five games and advancing in the NBA Cup after a win over the Lakers. Since losing Victor Wembanyama for 12 games, the Spurs have gone 9-3 compared to 7-4 with him. San Antonio boasts the seventh-best offensive rating over the last 12 games, but ranks 22nd in defensive rating without their franchise player.

With real stakes on the line for the Lakers in the NBA Cup quarterfinals -- a $530,000 cash prize per player and a second Cup championship in three years for the franchise hinging on the result -- L.A.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is expected to miss at least a week because of a mild left calf strain.