LeBron James entered the arena with a “Scream” mask on his face and we pretty much knew what was coming next. The Los Angeles Lakers have ended their two-game skid with an up-and-down victory against the Toronto Raptors. The King has owned the Raptors for a very long time, and tonight was no different (27 points, 10 assists) as Anthony Davis also continued his MVP-level play with 38 points and 12 rebounds.
After establishing a dominant 26-point advantage in the first half, the Lakers faced a second-half rally from Toronto that brought the lead down to single digits. Still, the Raptors were unable to bring it closer than a few points, and the Lakers sealed the win comfortably in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers’ record jumps to 4-2 and fans are appeased by the clutch showing against the less-talented Raptors who were without Scottie Barnes. With an exciting Friday night performance in the bag, we grade every Lakers player before their upcoming matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
Anthony Davis – A+
Stats: 38 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers, 14-20 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 10-11 FT, 36 mins
Davis was dominant on both ends, scoring 38 points on an impressive 14-of-20 shooting while controlling the boards with 12 rebounds. His 3 steals and 2 blocks were pivotal in setting the defensive tone, and he capitalized at the line with a 10-of-11 performance. Davis’s consistent aggression in the paint and efficient scoring continues to place him among the MVP candidates this season and he has not taken one night off so far.
LeBron James – A+
Stats: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 9-17 FG, 5-8 3-PT FG, 4-6 FT, 36 mins
Entering with a “Scream” mask, LeBron lived up to the hype with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Lakers’ offense with precision. His 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc was a boost, and he kept turnovers to a minimum with just one. LeBron’s all-around play and energy kept the Raptors on their heels throughout, solidifying his legendary dominance over Toronto.
Austin Reaves – B+
Stats: 20 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, 4-13 FG, 0-6 3-PT FG, 12-14 FT, 34 mins
Austin Reaves poured in 20 points and played well as a facilitator with 6 assists, although his 4-of-13 field-goal shooting left room for improvement. He drew contact effectively, going 12-of-14 from the line, showing his knack for getting to the stripe. Reaves’ hustle and defense were valuable, and despite his struggles from deep, he contributed heavily to the Lakers’ scoring.
D’Angelo Russell – B+
Stats: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 7-13 FG, 3-6 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 32 mins
Russell provided a strong offensive outing with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three. His 6 assists added smooth ball movement, and he hit clutch shots that extended the Lakers’ lead. Russell’s shot selection was on point, though his defense could use work to complement his impressive scoring.
Rui Hachimura – C+
Stats: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 3-12 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG, 1-1 FT, 33 mins
Hachimura had a mixed performance, scoring 9 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but he struggled from the field, going just 3-of-12. He made 2-of-5 from three, which helped, but his overall inefficiency limited his impact. Rui’s presence on the boards and his physicality on defense were positives, but improving his shooting consistency will be key.
Max Christie – C+
Stats: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 5-5 FT, 13 mins
In limited minutes, Christie scored 7 points, including going 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, and added 5 rebounds. His efficiency was a bright spot, but with just one field goal attempt, his offensive involvement was limited. Christie’s hustle and composure on the court were evident, and he’ll likely continue earning minutes if he maintains this level of play.
Jaxson Hayes – C+
Stats: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 2 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 15 mins
Hayes played his role well, adding 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His defensive presence in the paint was noticeable, as he altered shots and grabbed key rebounds. While he wasn’t heavily involved offensively, Hayes’ energy and rim protection were valuable in maintaining the Lakers’ lead.
Dalton Knecht – C
Stats: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 19 mins
Knecht contributed 5 points and 2 rebounds in 19 minutes, shooting 2-of-5 from the field and 1-of-3 from deep. His limited scoring and one turnover showed he’s still adjusting to his role, but his effort on the defensive end was there. Knecht’s shooting touch could be beneficial as he finds his rhythm with the team.
Gabe Vincent – C
Stats: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1-6 FG, 0-4 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 21 mins
Vincent struggled offensively, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting, including 0-of-4 from three, but he added 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Despite his off night, he contributed defensively and limited his mistakes with zero turnovers. Vincent’s shot selection and accuracy will need to improve to make a bigger impact.
Bronny James – N/A
Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 8 secs
Bronny made a brief appearance in the final seconds, with no stats recorded. His entry was a crowd-pleasing moment more than anything as he lives out his and his father’s dream situation.
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