The chase for the NBA Cup tips off for the Spurs this Friday night at the Frost Bank Center against LeBron James and the Lakers, winners of last season’s inaugural in-season tournament. Rounding out the rest of West Group B are the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, the last of which looked formidable in a 105-93 victory over the Spurs in October. As San Antonio heads into the tournament, veteran point guard Chris Paul continues to settle into a familiar role with his new teammates.