Spurs cruise past Lakers to NBA Cup semifinals

No Victor Wembanyama, no problem.

Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 30 points on an efficient 10-of-14 from the floor, adding 10 rebounds and six assists. De’Aaron Fox scored 20, showing off impressive footwork on a turnaround jumper over Lakers guard Austin Reaves.

Wembanyama, 21, went through warm-ups and is reportedly close to returning from the calf strain that has sidelined him since Nov. 14.

The seven-foot-four centre is still second in the NBA with 43 blocks despite playing in only 12 of San Antonio’s 24 games.

After starting the season 8-4 with Wembanyama in the lineup, the Spurs have defied expectations and managed a 9-3 record in his absence.

Lakers superstar Luka Doncic scored a game-high 35 to go along with five boards and eight assists, Marcus Smart added 26 off the bench and LeBron James stuffed the stat sheet with a 19-point, 15-rebound, eight-assist, three-block showing. James also continued to defy father time with a roaring poster dunk over Spurs centre Luke Kornet.

The Spurs will now play the Oklahoma City Thunder at 9 p.m. on Saturday in the Western Conference NBA Cup semifinals, while the Lakers will take on the Phoenix Suns in a regular-season game.