A pair of Western Conference powers, vying to become the primary threat to the defending NBA champions, will meet in an NBA Cup West semifinal Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers play host to the San Antonio Spurs.

Each team is hot as the Lakers have won nine times over their past 11 games with the Spurs prevailing in eight of their past 11. The Lakers saw LeBron James return during the stretch while the Spurs are finding success without Victor Wembanyama (calf).

Up next for the winner could be the ultimate midseason litmus test against the Oklahoma City Thunder if last season's champs beat the Phoenix Suns in the other West semifinal.

Wembanyama went through pregame workouts in advance of the Spurs' 135-132 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday but did not play. He tra

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