Sochan Shrugs Off Vanderbilt Poke After Spurs Win Over Lakers

Jeremy Sochan downplayed a postgame flare with Jarred Vanderbilt after the Spurs’ 107-91 win, calling it a "polite exchange" after Vanderbilt poked him in the cheek. Julian Champagnie shoved Vanderbilt and teammates intervened. The moment revives a known feud and could tug at San Antonio’s focus as roles shift. Merlin sees a pattern from last season when they were ejected after a shove and a tossed ball. Sochan played just 11 minutes here, and the Spurs remain second in the West, so chemistry matters as much as box score minutes. Temperament and coaching will decide if this is a recurring headline or quickly forgotten.