That was way harder than it needed to be.

With no LeBron James (nursing a calf injury on the second night of a back-to-back) the Lakers nonetheless controlled about 44 of the 48 minutes against the Spurs in San Antonio, leading by eight after the first quarter, 13 at the half, and 18 at the end of the third. They led by double digits throughout most of the fourth quarter, and by 10 with two minutes to play.

And then it got uncomfortable.

Bad shot selection, a couple ugly turnovers, and all of a sudden the Lakers found themselves fighting off opportunities for the Spurs to steal the game. Fortunately for them, the 3-win San Antonio squad wasn't all that well equipped to take advantage, making a couple critical miscues of their own to help the Lakers stay ahead.

Anthony Davis did his part, pouring in 37 points, grabbing 10 boards and forcing four steals. He was 13-23 from the floor, and 9-12 from the line. The Lakers had five other players in double figures, but stalled out defensively late, allowing 45 fourth quarter points to the Spurs, including 18 in the final three minutes.

So was this a solid enough game with a horrible end, or does the ending eliminate the good that came before it?

The Lakers have some time to consider what worked and what didn't against the Spurs before facing them again (and again in San Antonio) on Friday.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: No LeBron, and the Lakers looked fine... until they didn't.

SEGMENT 2: Who is to blame for making that game tight? What's the No LeBron Effect?

SEGMENT 3: Accentuate the positive, or worry about the negative?

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