Lakers Outlast Spurs in Dramatic 2025 California Classic Victory

Bazley‘s Late Heroics Lift lakers Past Spurs in California Classic Thriller

San Francisco, CA – darius Bazley delivered a stellar performance, including a crucial putback dunk in the closing moments, too propel the Los Angeles Lakers to a dramatic 89-88 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the California Classic Summer League. The Lakers staged a furious 20-5 rally in the final quarter to snatch the win at Chase Center.

The Lakers complete a thrilling comeback against the Spurs, securing an 89-88 win in the 2025 California Classic Summer League.

Bazley was the offensive catalyst for the Lakers, pouring in a game-high 27 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting from the floor and a perfect 10-of-12 at the free-throw line.His dominant outing also included 13 rebounds, two assists, and a block in just 25 minutes of play. The Lakers showcased a balanced attack, with three players reaching double figures by halftime. Cole Swider contributed 15 points, while Dalton Knecht added 25 points, making 9-of-18 shots and leading a strong second-half surge.

The spurs, who held a five-point advantage at the half and maintained their advantage through the third quarter, were unable to withstand the Lakers’ late surge.David Jones Garcia was the lone bright spot for San antonio, scoring 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, complemented by six rebounds and five assists. Osayi Osifo added seven rebounds and six points, while Carter Bryant chipped in nine points and three rebounds.

Both the Lakers and Spurs will continue their Summer League campaigns in Las Vegas on Thursday.Los Angeles is scheduled to face the Dallas Mavericks, while San Antonio will take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

What strategic adjustments did the Lakers make in the final minutes to secure the victory against the Spurs?

Game Recap: A Nail-Biter in Sacramento

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a hard-fought victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 California Classic Summer league, finishing with a final score of 98-95. The game, played in Sacramento on July 10th, 2025, was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing promising talent from both franchises. Key moments included a late-game surge by Lakers rookie guard, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a tenacious defensive stand in the final seconds. This California Classic matchup proved to be one of the most exciting contests of the summer league thus far.

Standout Performances: Rising Stars Shine

Several players delivered impressive performances, drawing attention from scouts and fans alike.

Jalen Hood-Schifino (Lakers): The rookie point guard led the lakers with 22 points, including a crucial three-pointer with under a minute remaining. His ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball was on full display.

Maxwell Lewis (Lakers): Lewis contributed a solid 18 points and 7 rebounds, demonstrating his versatility as a wing player. His shooting efficiency was a key factor in the Lakers’ offensive success.

Dominick Barlow (spurs): Barlow was a force inside for the Spurs, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds. His athleticism and rebounding prowess presented challenges for the Lakers’ frontcourt.

Devin Vassell (Spurs): Vassell, a veteran presence on the Spurs’ summer league roster, added 16 points and showcased his scoring ability.

Key Moments & Turning Points

The game featured several pivotal moments that ultimately steadfast the outcome.

1. Second Quarter Run: The Spurs went on a 12-2 run midway through the second quarter,fueled by strong play from Barlow,to take a seven-point lead.
2. Hood-Schifino’s Late-Game Heroics: With the game tied in the final minute, Hood-Schifino drained a contested three-pointer to give the Lakers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
3. Defensive Stop: A crucial defensive stop by the Lakers in the closing seconds, forcing a turnover, sealed the victory. The Lakers’ defensive strategy focused on limiting the Spurs’ penetration and forcing contested jump shots.

Coaching Strategies & Adjustments

Both coaching staffs made strategic adjustments throughout the game. The Lakers, led by Summer League Head Coach, Phil Handy, emphasized ball movement and three-point shooting. They successfully adjusted thier defensive scheme in the second half to contain Barlow’s interior dominance. The Spurs, under the guidance of their Summer League coaching staff, focused on utilizing their size advantage and attacking the paint. However, they struggled to consistently convert on their opportunities in the final quarter.

Impact of LeBron James’ Milestone

While not directly involved in the California Classic game, the recent news of LeBron James surpassing 50,000 career points resonated throughout the NBA and likely provided a motivational boost for the young Lakers players. The achievement underscores the Lakers’ legacy of greatness and inspires the next generation of players. https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-lebron-james-surpasses-50000-total-points

Looking Ahead: Summer League implications

This victory is a positive sign for the Lakers’ summer league campaign. It demonstrates the potential of their young core and provides valuable experience for their developing players.The Spurs, despite the loss, showed flashes of promise and will look to bounce back in their next game. The California Classic continues to be a valuable platform for evaluating talent and preparing for the upcoming NBA season. Key takeaways for both teams include identifying areas for improvement in player advancement and refining their summer league strategies.

Player Statistics Breakdown

| Player | Team | Points | rebounds | Assists |

| —————— | —— | —— | ——– | ——- |

| Jalen Hood-Schifino | Lakers | 22 | 4 | 6 |

| Maxwell Lewis | Lakers | 18 | 7 | 3 |

| Dominick Barlow | Spurs | 19 | 10 | 2 |

| Devin Vassell | Spurs | 16 | 5 | 4 |