The Los Angeles Lakers have been impressive throughout the season and entered Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinals against the San Antonio Spurs riding an unbeaten run in the group stage. However, defensive lapses combined with an explosive Spurs squad ultimately left the Lakers reeling and eliminated from the tournament.

The superstar trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves has been working in near-perfect sync for the Lakers, giving Los Angeles one of the most potent offenses in the league. However, James is still ramping up and has had only one impactful game in his last eight outings.

NBA Fans React To Lakers’ Shocking NBA Cup Elimination

Against the Spurs, James battled for a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double, yet some fans argued the Lakers were better off without him. “They are better without LeBron, sorry,” one fan wrote.

they are better without LeBron sorry.

— 💀CROSSBONES💀 (@CROSSBONES7788) December 11, 2025

The Lakers have a 6-2 record with James this season. While it’s difficult to place blame on him for the NBA Cup exit, the bigger concern is that the loss came in the absence of rising star Victor Wembanyama, with seven Spurs players hitting double figures.

“Lost to the Spurs without Wemby, sad case, bro,” one fan wrote.

Another added, “Losing at home with no Wemby is flat out unacceptable. Have to get better on defense.”

Stephon Castle led the Spurs without Wembanyama, scoring 30 points on 10-of-14 shooting, along with 10 rebounds and six assists, while De’Aaron Fox added 20 points. Wembanyama, who suffered a left calf strain in mid-November, is expected back for the semifinals.

“Belt without Wemby,” one fan wrote.

“LMAOOOO COULDN’T BEAT THE SPURS WITHOUT WEMBY, HOLD THIS L,” another added.

LMAOOOO COULDNT BEAT A SPURS WITHOUT WEMBY HOLD THIS L pic.twitter.com/2MNj6wwrw3

— MarcøRashado💙 (@OcamposSZN) December 11, 2025

Despite the mockery, it’s worth noting that San Antonio is 9–3 without Wembanyama this season. The real concern for Lakers fans is how their defense struggled to match San Antonio’s pace; the team ranks 21st in defensive efficiency.

“No POA defender, 20th in Defensive rating, players that are slow. Far from a title team,” one fan wrote.

Another added, “JJ’s refusal to make changes to rotations and game plans is going to be his downfall. He talked all that on podcasts with Bron, and he’s doing the opposite.”

On the offensive side, Dončić continued performing at an MVP level, scoring 35 points and dishing out eight assists. Marcus Smart returned from injury to contribute 26 points off the bench, and Austin Reaves added 15 points, seven assists, and eight rebounds as JJ Redick’s offensive system continued to exploit mismatches.

However, defense remains a major talking point for Los Angeles, and the Lakers have yet to prove they can consistently stop top competition. Adding reinforcements or a defensive difference-maker could be the key to elevating them into true championship contention.