There was no doubt that there would be exciting moments, that was clear by the line of reporters filming Victor Wembanyama’s every step during pregame.
Forget that the Spurs have won just 11 games this season — the No. 1 pick’s first game in Los Angeles against the Lakers certainly qualified as a big deal — even if the outcome was always a probability.
The Lakers eventually bullied their way to a 123-118 win, their talent edge undeniable against Wembanyama and the baby Spurs.
Yet Friday’s game against the Spurs served an additional purpose than a West Coast introduction to a player the Lakers will likely battle with for the next decade plus.