Lakers triumph over struggling Raptors 128-111, securing their 7th win in the last 8 games as they endeavor to climb the standings

The Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight game on Tuesday night, defeating the Toronto Raptors 128-111 behind 23 points from LeBron James and 21 points and 12 rebounds from Anthony Davis.

Grades for LeBron James, Anthony Davis in Lakers win vs. Raptors - Silver Screen and Roll

Rui Hachimura scored 14, Max Christie scored 12, and D’Angelo Russell scored 25 points on 7 of 14 3-point attempts as the Lakers defeated Toronto for the 14th time in a row.
Leading scorer in the NBA history, James finished with nine assists and a 10 for 12 average.

James entered the game having made nine 3-pointers in Sunday’s victory against Brooklyn, matching his career high. Against the Raptors, the 20-time All-Star attempted just one long shot, which he made with 5:22 remaining in the third quarter.

NBA: Lakers win for 7th time in 8 games, roll past Raptors

When Los Angeles increased their lead to 27, 109-82, with 9:22 left in the game, James left the game, and Davis sat the whole fourth quarter. On Wednesday night, the Lakers play the Washington Wizards.

For the Raptors, RJ Barrett scored 28 points, while Immanuel Quickley chipped in with 20. In 1997–98, Toronto suffered a franchise-worst 17 straight losses.

Lakers rout Raptors with dominant play in second half - Los Angeles Times

While Barrett and Quickley returned after missing time for personal reasons and reconditioning, Gary Trent Jr. of Toronto sat to rest. After scoring 17 points in total in the first quarter, the Lakers went on an 18-4 run to take a 34-25 lead at the half.

At the half, Los Angeles was ahead 64–58. The Lakers increased their lead to 100-79 at the half thanks to nine points apiece from James and Davis in the third quarter.
Five players were still out for the Raptors, including starting guards Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl.

LeBron James put on a show in his first game in two years in Toronto | Toronto Sun

Jontay Porter, a two-way player from Toronto, missed his fifth straight game due to unresolved gambling-related charges.

Due to a right knee ailment, Raptors guard Bruce Brown left the game in the fourth.
Due to personal reasons, Lakers forward Cam Reddish was not available, while guard Gabe Vincent missed the first night of the back-to-back games while recovering from surgery on his left knee.

Lakers vs. Wizards Preview, Injury Report, Start Time and TV Schedule - Silver Screen and Roll

Next up

Lakers: On Wednesday evening, go see the Washington Wizards.

Raptors: On Wednesday evening, go see the Minnesota Timberwolves.