Mitch Johnson teases Victor Wembanyama’s possible status for the Lakers game

Directly after the disappointment 106-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs Head coach Mitch Johnson may have given a sneak peek at whether Victor Wembanyama will play against Los Angeles Lakers in the second game of a back-to-back as he returns from injury.

Due to playing time restrictions, Wemby only saw the court for 21 minutes at Tennessee.

“As far as I know, he came out pretty good,” Johnson said after the setback.

The first-year coach did not talk about the performance of his generational talent in which he scored 30 points in those 21 minutes. He alluded to Vembanyama’s physical condition. Just before the contest, Johnson said his center is a superstar it would be questionable for the Lakers game the next day depending on how he ‘exists’ from the Grizzlies game, according to San Antonio Express-News reporter Jeff McDonald.

“It’s hard for that kid,” the Spurs first man admitted before that. “There’s a lot of yo-yoing and back and forth, and (we’re) trying to support him as best we can.”

Mitch Johnson reveals the thought process behind Vembanyama’s availability

The loss to the Grizzlies marked Wemby’s return to action after a left knee hyperextension suffered on New Year’s Eve.

“We have to see how he reacts and reacts every day. That will be the biggest indicator of what he looks like next,” Johnson said before his team’s first game in 2026 with their leading scorer.

“He’s put in a lot of work and we’ve seen enough – especially us medical staff – and Victor has seen enough and felt enough to try,” Western Conference Coach of the Month for December he said, confirming that Vembanjama will play on a minutes limit as he comes off the bench in Memphis.

Johnson believes that Vembanayama’s approach will not change LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

“His attitude is always, ‘I can play. I’m ready to go. I’m ready,’ you know,” the 39-year-old coach revealed. “And so, you respect that and love that mentality and competitiveness.”

As if to add any fanfare, the match with the Lake Show had previously been moved to a later start so it could be broadcast on national television.

“Vick is talked about and asked about and has opinions about him probably as much as any player in this league. And I think one thing that’s very consistent is that he’s just very direct and clear,” Johnson added.

Since the beginning of his NBA career, the Spurs have been very cautious with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. He missed 47 of the team’s 164 games in his first two seasons, though 30 of those absences were due to blood clots that ended prematurely last year.

“We’re going to be, again, extremely aware of the situation that we were and will be. And it’s just going to be one of those living, breathing situations that we’re going to continue to juggle and balance until we do,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Wemby’s averages of 24.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks lead the team. A large part of those numbers the minute limit is reached in leading the Spurs to the second best record in the West.

“I think he’s doing a phenomenal job and hopefully we just keep building him.”