Lakers vs Raptors Preview and Game Thread: A tougher rematch

The Lakers’ frontcourt and transition defense will once again be tested against the Raptors.

The Lakers will continue their three-game home stand as they face the Toronto Raptors who they just won against last week. This will be last time these two teams see each other this season.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors

When: 6:30 p.m. PT, Nov 10

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: Spectrum SportsNet

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In my last preview, I wondered how D’Angelo Russell would react to getting benched by JJ Redick as well as whether or not the Lakers could regroup after a nightmare of a roadtrip. It turns out, it was Redick who reacted even more by replacing D’Lo in the starting unit for Cam Reddish which led to a strong start and a win against a subpar Sixers team.

Credit to Russell for being professional about this swift change as well as the Lakers for adjusting quickly. While Redick did point out that this wasn’t a permanent move, it’s going to be fascinating to see if it’s one that continues against the Raptors on Saturday.

Remember, the last time L.A. faced Toronto, the rookie coach said that they had their best first half of the young season and that was with Russell in the starting unit.

Speaking of tomorrow’s match up against the Raptors — who will be on the second night of a back-to-back — the Lakers should expect a more competitive fight from them. For one, it’s never easy to beat the same team twice in a span of a couple of day during the season. Second, remember this Raptors team had a strong late rally in the second half so they might’ve figured something out and will most likely use it in this rematch.

Another thing to note is that this Raptors team is a little more healthy now that Immanuel Quickley is expected to suit up. This is worth mentioning due to Quickley being a speedy scoring athletic guard who can give the Lakers’ perimeter defense problems.

In the first match between these two teams, Toronto also feasted in the paint where they scored 68 of their 125 points. It was actually the biggest reason why they were able to erase the Lakers’ 26-point lead. It would be ideal if Los Angeles puts more pressure on the frontcourt this time around and that will fall once again on Anthony Davis’ long list of duties.

Hopefully the Lakers come out with the right game plan and continue to make up for the atrocious road trip they just had by winning this one. Their schedule has lightened up a bit after a tough slate of games to begin the year and it’s time for them to capitalize.

Let’s see if the Lakers do just that and remain undefeated at home against the Raptors on Saturday.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is listed as probable as well as Jaxson Haynes (left knee soreness).
• Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery recovery) and Christian Wood (left knee surgery recovery) remain out.
• Since the Raptors are playing on a back-to-back, they have yet to issue an injury report for tomorrow’s game but it’s worth noting that Quickley (right pelvic contusion) is playing against the L.A. Clippers on Friday. Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes (right orbita fracture), Bruce Brown (right knee arthroscopic surgical procedure), Kelly Olynyk (back lumbar strain) are out.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.