Aug 1, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) handles the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during the first at The Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors locked into a very entertaining matchup that ended in a 107-92 win for the defending champs. LeBron led the way for L.A. with 20 points. Kyle Lowry put up a game-high of 33 points and 14 rebounds. The Lakers shot 35.4 percent from the field (season-low) combined with 17 turnovers. The loss extends the Raptors win streak against the Lakers to 11 games. The Lakers have not secured a win against the Raptors since 2014 and will have to wait until the NBA Finals to possibly end the drought.
The Stars Struggled
Tonight was the first time in Anthony Davis’ career where he went scoreless in the first quarter. To the Lakers’ detriment, LeBron joined in and the two combined for eight points in the first half. Davis finished with 14 points on an abysmal 28.6 percent shooting, a season-low. LeBron’s 20 points came on 46.7 percent shooting. Their combined 34 points was a season-low.
To Three Or Not To Three
No matter if they’re open or not, the Lakers just couldn’t seem to hit any shots from long-range. Their first two seeding games have resulted in them shooting 27.6 percent on 76 attempts. Tonight they missed 30 three-pointers, a season-high. This kind of cold shooting is not the type of showing that will be enough to contend with a dynamic defensive team like the Raptors.
The Bench Did What It Could
Without their bench, this game would’ve been out of reach for the Lakers very early. In the first half, they put up 36 points to keep them in the lead going into halftime. Unfortunately, they could not keep the same energy in the second half which led to the Raptors extending their lead in the 4th quarter and putting away the game. Kyle Kuzma led the bench in scoring with 16 points, along with Dion Waiters adding 12 points and Alex Caruso with 11.
The Lakers are back in action on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Tip-off is scheduled for 9PM EST/6 PM PST.
