Inside The Spurs

Spurs Starter, Friday, November 15, 2024: LeBron James' Message to Gregg Popovich

Your daily briefing on what's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, including news, draft and more.

Mathey Gibson

October 22, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) meets with San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich before the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
October 22, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) meets with San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich before the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
In this story:

Happy Friday, Por Vida fans! Welcome to your morning Spurs Starter.

As the San Antonio Spurs prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, they remain without head coach Gregg Popovich, who suffered a stroke on November 2. Popovich’s absence has been felt deeply across the league, as he is widely respected both as a coach and as a person.

Few players have been impacted by Popovich like LeBron James, who has played under him numerous times for Team USA.

"To be honest, I haven't even thought about it yet," James said on Wednesday. "Look forward to the matchup going into Friday obviously. It's always difficult to win a game in San Antonio. For me personally, there's much bigger news out of San Antonio right now and that's my dear friend Coach Pop."

"I'll be thinking heavily about him as I travel there tomorrow, the game on Friday and wishing him the best of health. Hopefully, I see him soon. It doesn't even have to be on the sidelines."

"Hopefully, I just see him soon. That's most important for me."

The Spurs and Lakers are set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Now, onto the headlines.

THE NEWS

1. READ: NO MATTER THE VOICE, POPOVICH'S IMPACT LOOMS

The San Antonio Spurs provided an update on Gregg Popovich's health Wednesday morning, leaving the timeline for his return uncertain but his immediate status optimistic.

Read the full story at the link above.

2. LOOK: SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO GREGG POPOVICH NEWS

On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs revealed that Popovich suffered a stroke on November 2, addressing questions regarding his absence.

Read the full story at the link above.

3. READ: WEMBANYAMA MAKES HISTORY WITH 50-POINT PERFORMANCE

The San Antonio Spurs, spearheaded by Victor Wembanyama's 50-point performance, held on against the Washington Wizards Wednesday night. Beyond the win, the 20-year-old also made history in a few regards.

Read the full story at the link above.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE

  • vs. Los Angeles Lakers. 6:30 p.m. CT.

MEDIA DAY, TRAINING CAMP

Now that the Media Day is over and the 2024-25 season is set to kick off, you can check out the stories surrounding the team as it gears up for the beginning of the regular season.

- The Ultimate Guide to Spurs Training Camp

- Everything Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Said at Media Day

- Victor Wembanyama is 'Funnier' as Spurs Prepare for New Season

- Chris Paul and Gregg Popovich, Once Rivals, Now Set to Join Forces

- Wembanyama Adds 25 Pounds Ahead of His Second NBA Season

- Chris Paul Enters San Antonio as Polished Veteran, Mutual Choice

- Keldon Johnson Is Back For Year 6, and Feels Like the Old Man

- Wembanyama 'Working on Fundamentals' Ahead of Sophomore Year

- Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul Share Comical Moment During Media Day

- Gregg Popovich Looking Forward To Season of Improvemen

- Castle Impresses Spurs Early with Versatility and 'Own Pace'

- Wembanyama Sets Next Big Goal: Elevating His Spurs Teammates

- Alpine F1 Team Announce New Era Clothing Collaboration

- Gregg Popovich Likes New, Improved Victor Wembanyama

- Is Stephon Castle's Jump Shot A Genuine Problem?


- Jeremy Sochan Ready to Thrive at 'Natural' Position

- Will Julian Champagnie Start In Place of Devin Vassell?

- Zach Collins 'Feeling Great' After Shoulder Surgery

- Harrison Barnes Speaks on Young Spurs' Winning Mentality

- Castle Speaks on Spurs' 'Aggressive' Defensive Mindset

- Keldon Johnson Focused on Getting Better, Sticking Around

- Champagnie's Approach to Begin New Season? 'Just Keep Shooting'

- How Can Sandro Mamukelashvili Earn Rotational Minutes?

THE FULL SCHEDULE

The San Antonio Spurs played their first game of the year on Oct. 25, kicking off the second season of Victor Wembanyama's young NBA career. Now that it's through, here's a preview of some upcoming dates and times (all in CST) throughout the season to watch for:

San Antonio Spurs Regular Season Schedule

Nov. 15: Group Play Begins vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Dec. 10: NBA Cup Knockout Rounds Begin
Dec. 25: MSG Christmas at New York Knicks

Dec. 31: New Year's vs. LA Clippers

Jan. 23-25: Paris Games vs. Indiana Pacers

Feb. 3: Rodeo Road Trip Begins at Memphis Grizzlies

Feb. 14-16: All-Star Break

Feb. 20: Spurs Get Moody vs. Phoenix Suns
Feb. 21: Spurs Get Moody vs. Detroit Pistons

March 21: Longest Home Stand Ends vs. Philadelphia 76ers

April 6: Final Road Trip Begins at Portland Trail Blazers
April 13: Final Home Game vs. Toronto Raptors

AROUND THE NBA

Catch up on some of the league-wide headlines below:

Also, be sure to follow along with Spurs On SI's NBA tracker, with more detailed breakdowns of major league news and updates.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"How can you be that professional in a suit that looks like that?"

- Gregg Popovich

THIS DAY IN SPURS HISTORY

November 15, 1975: A then-franchise record crowd of 11,717 watched the New York Nets pull off a 112-109 win.

THE CLOSER

Check out our home page for more news and be sure follow us on the platforms below. Thank you for tuning in, and enjoy the rest of your Thursday.

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Mathey Gibson
MATHEY GIBSON

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