Lakers survive Raptors rally, snap losing streak in Toronto

A strong first half paved the way to the Lakers earning a victory over the Raptors on Friday.

The Lakers survived a second-half rally from the Raptors to snap their losing streak on the road on Friday, 131-125.

After building a 26-point lead in the first half, the purple and gold saw the deficit trimmed to single digits in the second half. However, Toronto never got within a single possession — barely — and the Lakers iced the game away in the fourth.

Anthony Davis’ dominance continued with 38 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. LeBron James scored 27 points with 10 assists, six rebounds and a steal.

Austin Reaves pitched in with 20 points after going 12-14 at the free throw line along with six assists. He also reached a milestone in his career with 800 assists. D’Angelo Russell went 7-13 from the field for 19 points and dished out six dimes.

The bench was still a major issue with their offense. Dalton Knecht had five points and Max Christie scored seven points.

LeBron knocked down a quick 3-pointer that jump-started a 7-0 run for the Lakers to open the game. It was a much-needed fast start for Los Angeles who struggled so much against the Cavs two nights prior. Eight of the Lakers’ first 11 points were in the paint.

The lead ballooned to 17 as Toronto could not contain the purple and gold. Everyone in the starting five scored in the first. The Raptors did begin to make more shots, but Los Angeles had every ounce of the momentum.

A three by LeBron put the cap on a great quarter for the Lakers as they were up 43-19.

The second started with a turnover by the Raptors that led to a layup by LeBron. The defense kicked up for Toronto and the Lakers stumbled a few times. The Raptors started scoring and cut the deficit to 19.

Dalton knocked down a three and LeBron converted on another layup for five quick points to put the Lakers up 24. Toronto picked up their energy and played much better, but LA still had the momentum and lead.

Gradey Dick started knocking down 3-pointers and cut the deficit himself to 18. The Raptors were fighting much harder, but each time they looked to find some momentum, the Lakers answered right back with their offense.

At the end of the half, Los Angeles was up 25.

The Raptors opened up the second half with a three by RJ Barrett. Every player in the starting five was in double digits, but Rui Hachimura was having a rough night offensively. Toronto was winning the first minutes of the half, cutting the deficit down to 18.

AD and LeBron took over for two consecutive plays that extended the lead back to 22. A consistent thing happening throughout the game was the Lakers missing a few shots and the Raptors shooting better to creep back into it.

Los Angeles’ big lead had shortened to eight as the Raptors went on an 11-2 run and LA struggled to put the ball through the basket. Much of the rest of the quarter belonged to the Raptors, but LA still managed to keep their lead on the shoulders of AD and LeBron.

They were up 99-88 going into the fourth.

LA’s lead dipped to single digits to start the final frame and LeBron knocked down a three to save them momentarily. A three-point play by Barrett had the Raptors within six. After such a dominant game, the Lakers were falling into their usual troubles of missing shots, lacking defensively and turning the ball over.

After a rough all-around game, Rui knocked down consecutive 3-pointers to push the Lakers lead to 12. The energy shifted in favor of LA after D’Lo drilled a three and the lead extended to 15.

A couple of Lakers misses and two straight makes by the Raptors got them within 11. Toronto was on a 6-0 run until AD converted on an and-1 to stop some bleeding. Both teams were trading baskets.

Toronto put a scare into the Lakers with Gradey knocking down another shot and AD missing one. The Raptors played the foul game, but nothing changed as the Lakers took the win.

Key Takeaways:

LeBron and AD once again proved that they are an insane lethal duo.

The Lakers must try to find ways to keep their energy all game long. They let a depleted Raptors team have life. You have to win these games with ease.

Who will become the reliable scorer off the bench? Dalton is understandably playing like a rookie. Gabe Vincent and Max need to dig deep into their bag to make more shots.

The Lakers’ next game is Monday against the Detroit Pistons at 4:30 PM PT.

You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.