Wembanyama Erupts for 40 as Spurs Blitz Shorthanded Lakers in Record-Breaking Rout
The San Antonio Spurs kicked off their Rodeo Road Trip with fireworks - and not the kind you typically see in early February. Behind a jaw-dropping first half from Victor Wembanyama and a relentless team effort, the Spurs handed the Lakers a blowout loss that etched its way into the history books.
San Antonio dropped 84 points in the first half - the most ever scored in a half by a Lakers opponent - and it wasn’t just the number that stunned, it was how they did it. Wembanyama, in just 18 minutes of action, went full George Gervin with 25 points in the first quarter and 37 by halftime. He finished with 40 points and 12 rebounds, and he made it look almost effortless.
Let’s be clear: the Lakers were severely undermanned. No LeBron James, no Luka Dončić, no Austin Reaves. But even with a full roster, slowing down Wembanyama when he gets rolling like this is a tall order - literally and figuratively.
The Spurs executed with surgical precision, scoring 30+ points in each of the first three quarters, shooting over 50% from the field, and forcing 13 steals. It was a masterclass in pace, spacing, and unselfish basketball. And while Wembanyama was the headliner, the supporting cast played their roles to perfection.
Rookies Rising
Carter Bryant continues to build momentum in his rookie campaign. The young guard dropped 16 points and added four boards, flashing confidence and poise beyond his years. His energy and aggression stood out, especially in the second quarter when he refused to give up on a drive, ripped the ball away from a Laker, and turned chaos into a corner three for Harrison Barnes.
Dylan Harper also impressed with 15 points and six assists, showing off his handle and vision in transition. With Stephon Castle sidelined after a hard fall on a chasedown block late in the first half, Bryant and Harper stepped up and kept the offense humming.
Barnes chipped in 11 points and three steals off the bench, and his veteran presence was felt from the moment he checked in - hitting a smooth fadeaway in the lane and staying active on both ends.
Lakers Outmatched, Overwhelmed
For the Lakers, it was a night to forget. Luke Kennard (14 points, 5 assists) and Jaxson Hayes (13 points, 4 rebounds) led the way offensively, but the team never found its rhythm. Jake LaRavia’s night was a strange one - 10 points and six fouls in limited minutes, a stat line that looked like it was ripped from the 1980s.
The Lakers were stuck in the mud early, with little ball movement and poor shot selection. Wembanyama scored 17 of the Spurs’ first 20 points, and by the time Los Angeles found any semblance of offense, they were already in a double-digit hole.
Defensively, the Lakers struggled to contain San Antonio’s dynamic attack. The Spurs drew the Lakers into the foul bonus early, opening up even more space for drives and cuts. By the time the second quarter hit, the game had turned into a highlight reel for the visiting team.
Wemby’s Early Onslaught
Between the 11-minute and 8-minute mark of the first quarter, Wembanyama rattled off 17 points in rapid-fire fashion. He started in the dunker spot, got a slick feed from Julian Champagnie, and immediately drew two fouls.
From there, it was an avalanche of post moves, face-ups, and soft-touch finishes. The Lakers had no answer.
One of the night’s most electric sequences came midway through the second quarter. After a Spurs steal, De’Aaron Fox took a 4-on-1 fast break solo for a layup.
Moments later, off another steal, Fox faked like he was going to do it again - then tossed an off-the-backboard lob to Wembanyama for a thunderous finish. Showtime, Spurs edition.
Second Quarter Surge
San Antonio didn’t let up. With Castle out, Bryant took over lead guard duties and didn’t blink.
He knocked down a confident corner three after missing one just seconds earlier, and his power dunk made it 53-30. Wembanyama kept pouring it on, walking Kennard under the rim for an easy slam and later feeding Bryant for a vicious two-hand jam to close the half.
The Spurs entered the break up 84-55, and the game was essentially over.
Third Quarter Cruise Control
The second half started with back-to-back triples from Barnes and Devin Vassell, and though San Antonio had a few sloppy possessions, the lead never dipped below 25. Wembanyama hit a wing three to get to 40 points, and with the game well in hand, he took a seat.
LaRavia, in a comedy of errors, picked up his sixth foul with 7:43 left in the third quarter - a rare disqualification that early in the game. Harper added an and-one in transition, pushing the lead to 40, and from there, both teams emptied their benches.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio did exactly what good teams are supposed to do in these situations: take care of business. They didn’t play down to a depleted opponent. They stayed aggressive, executed their game plan, and gave their starters plenty of rest ahead of a tougher matchup with Golden State.
Wembanyama reminded everyone why he’s already one of the most unguardable forces in the league. The rookies showed growth.
The bench contributed. And the Spurs, quietly, are becoming one of the league’s most entertaining road teams.
If this is how they’re starting the Rodeo Road Trip, buckle up. The Spurs might just be ready to ride.