Luka Doncic, LeBron James Spark Lakers’ 110-93 Win vs Raptors/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Luka Doncic and LeBron James each delivered standout performances as the Lakers beat the Raptors 110-93. Deandre Ayton added a perfect 10-for-10 shooting night in his return from injury. The win ends a slump for Los Angeles ahead of a tough road trip.
Lakers Back on Track: Quick Looks
- Lakers win 110-93 vs. Raptors at Crypto.com Arena
- Luka Doncic scores 25 points, hits five 3-pointers
- LeBron James adds 24 points, 7 assists in back-to-back appearance
- Deandre Ayton posts 25 points, 13 rebounds on perfect shooting
- Raptors fall in back-to-back games for first time in four weeks
- Scottie Barnes scores 22 for Toronto; Ingram adds 19
- Lakers pull away in fourth quarter with 9-0 run
- Doncic picks up 12th technical foul of the season
- Lakers prep for grueling 8-game, 15-day road trip
- Raptors start five-game road stretch, next stop Golden State
Deep Look: Luka, LeBron Lead Lakers to 110-93 Victory Over Raptors
LOS ANGELES — With the Los Angeles Lakers seeking a spark before hitting the road, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton delivered exactly what the team needed in a 110-93 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena.
In a game that started tight but ended in a commanding win for Los Angeles, the Lakers looked sharp and energized, ending a rough stretch in which they had lost five of their last six games.
Doncic and LeBron Dominate
Back in action after sitting out Saturday’s loss in Portland due to lingering injuries, Luka Doncic was red-hot from deep. He knocked down five 3-pointers, finishing with 25 points and 7 assists in a performance that reignited the Lakers’ offense.
LeBron James, showing no signs of fatigue in his second back-to-back set of the season, also poured in 24 points, dished out 7 assists, and energized the crowd with two momentum-shifting buckets early in the fourth quarter.
“We needed this one,” James said postgame. “We’ve been out of rhythm, but this group knows how to respond.”
The 41-year-old superstar played in five games over a seven-day stretch, bucking his usual rest schedule. His leadership was critical as the Lakers surged ahead in the final 12 minutes.
Deandre Ayton’s Perfect Return
Returning from a knee injury, Deandre Ayton had his best game in months. The big man was a perfect 10-for-10 from the field, posting 25 points and 13 rebounds in his most productive performance since November 3.
“He looked fantastic,” Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said. “It’s huge having that presence inside again.”
Ayton’s return comes at the perfect time, as the Lakers gear up for a brutal eight-game road trip across 15 days. With Ayton back in the lineup and Doncic finding his groove, L.A. may finally be positioned to regain consistency.
Raptors Fade in Fourth Quarter
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 22 points and 9 rebounds, continuing his breakout campaign, but Toronto couldn’t keep pace down the stretch. Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 20 points, while former Laker Brandon Ingram added 19 points and 7 assists.
The Raptors stayed within striking distance through three quarters, but the Lakers opened the final period on a 9-0 run that held Toronto scoreless for more than three minutes. That run turned a manageable 91-80 deficit into an insurmountable one.
“We didn’t match their physicality late,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “Credit to their stars — they closed it out.”
The loss marks the first time in four weeks that Toronto has dropped back-to-back games. They were also defeated Friday night by the Clippers and now head to the Bay Area to face Golden State.
Doncic Earns 12th Technical of Season
Despite the win, Doncic picked up his 12th technical foul of the season in the first half for arguing with officials. That puts him second in the NBA, trailing only Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns.
“It’s the emotion of the game,” Doncic said. “I’ve got to be smarter, but I love to compete.”
While not a major distraction on the night, Doncic’s growing technical count could become a factor later in the season if he approaches a suspension threshold.
Game Notes and Stats
- Field Goal Percentage (Lakers): 52.1%
- 3PT Shooting (Doncic): 5-for-11
- Rebounds: Lakers 44, Raptors 39
- Assists: Lakers 28, Raptors 22
- Turnovers: Lakers 12, Raptors 14
What’s Next
- Lakers: Travel to Denver for the first game of their eight-game road trip on Tuesday night
- Raptors: Face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday to continue their five-game road swing
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