Overview
- Victor Wembanyama came back from a left‑knee hyperextension to score 30 points in 21 minutes, but the Spurs fell 106-105 in Memphis and limited his closing‑time availability due to a minutes cap.
- San Antonio listed Wembanyama day‑to‑day after five‑on‑five practice and, given the team’s conservative approach with back‑to‑backs, his status for the Lakers game remains uncertain.
- The Lakers beat the Pelicans 111-103 as LeBron James posted 30-8-8 and Luka Dončić had 30 points and 10 assists, with Deandre Ayton adding 18 points and 11 rebounds.
- LeBron said his participation in back‑to‑backs is "TBD" at age 41, underscoring Los Angeles’ load‑management calculus with multiple injuries thinning the rotation.
- Trade season opened with a confirmed deal sending Trae Young from the Hawks to the Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.