Who's playing: Anthony Davis shows up on Lakers injury report before Spurs game

The Lakers are coming to town, and while the rivalry doesn't have the same feel it used to during the Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant days, it still means something to beat the Purple and Gold. Los Angeles is on a three-game winning streak, holding a record of 7-4, while the San Antonio Spurs are coming off two straight victories with a record of 6-6.

Tonight is the first game for either team in the Emirates NBA Cup. Each team will play each other once before results are tallied, and those with the best records will advance to the knockout round. Bragging rights are on the line, and the Spurs won't be at full strength as they continue to wait for Tre Jones and Jeremy Sochan's return, but neither will the Lakers.

Wembanyama gives the Spurs a real shot at winning the NBA Cup

Victor Wembanyama is ready to go. He's been on a tear defensively since the start of the season, but now his offense has caught up. Over the last three games, Wemby is averaging 36 points a game on 59.1 FG%, and 54.1% from three, while casually adding 12 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 4.3 blocks to his stat line.

The Lakers won two of the last three head-to-head matchups with the Silver and Black in the 2023-24 season, but this is a completely different team. Whether Anthony Davis plays or not, it won't be easy for LA to impose their will on either side of the ball. But he's played in every game except one this season, so expect AD in the lineup.

Admittedly, the offense would be more of a problem for them if Sochan were playing, but SA has improved their defense nonetheless. They have been rotating with more consistency and trusting each other to be in the right spots, and it's paid off for one of the youngest teams in the league.

It's also important to respect your opponent. LeBron James is in his 21st season, and he's still going strong. James had a 35-point triple-double on Wednesday in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Davis is averaging 30 points so far this season. He's been as aggressive as ever under the leadership of rookie head coach JJ Redick.

Mitch Johnson will have his hands full with the schemes Redick will throw at the Spurs to get his guys good looks. He's shown himself to be adequate with a clipboard.

This is one of those games where Chris Paul's expertise will be needed. He's seen just about any coverage you could come up with, and his guidance will be crucial to victory. If San Antonio can keep their turnovers down again and play Spurs basketball on both sides of the floor, they'll start the tournament with a bang by taking down AD and King James.