The 20-year-old buried a step-back three late in the game to seal the deal for San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) puts up a shot under defense by Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
LOS ANGELES – Stephon Castle dropped 30 points and 10 rebounds, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 132-119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Wednesday’s Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal.
The 20-year-old second-year guard erupted for 21 second-half points, burying a step-back three late to ice the game and send San Antonio to Saturday’s semifinal against Oklahoma City in Las Vegas.
LeBron James finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers, but the night belonged to Castle — and to a postgame moment that went viral.
James gifted Castle a signed Lakers jersey with a message that read: “To: Stephon Castle — Love everything about you, Young King. Keep going up! Strive for Greatness.”
Despite missing Victor Wembanyama (calf), the Spurs shot 50% from the field and 44.7% from three, while De’Aaron Fox added 20 points in his return.
The Lakers had no answer for San Antonio’s fast transition offense.
The Spurs advance to face the Thunder, who crushed Phoenix 138-89 earlier Wednesday.
More recent Spurs coverage on KSAT
Copyright 2025 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorMary Rominger headshotMary Rominger
Mary Rominger is KSAT 12 Sports’ first full-time female sports anchor and reporter.
She came to San Antonio from Mankato, Minn., where she worked as a weekend sports anchor at KEYC News Now. She has a journalism degree from Iowa State University and grew up in Southern California.
Mary enjoys golfing, sports and finding new spots around town.
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