The Los Angeles Lakers are back with a bang, and their recent victory against the Toronto Raptors is a testament to their resilience and potential. But here's the kicker: this win wasn’t just about the final score—it was about the return of key players and the historic performance of Deandre Ayton. Let’s dive into what made this game a turning point for the Lakers.
After a string of injuries and a grueling schedule, the Lakers finally had most of their star players back on the court. Luka Doncic (left groin soreness), Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness), and Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring tendinopathy) all returned for Sunday night’s game at Crypto.com Arena. Only Austin Reaves (left calf strain) remained on the sidelines. This near-full roster gave Coach JJ Redick a much-needed arsenal of talent, especially during a busy stretch of games. And yes, even LeBron James suited up for this back-to-back game, just a night after the Lakers’ loss in Portland.
And this is the part most people miss: When healthy, the Lakers are not just a good team—they’re a dominant force. This was on full display as Doncic, James, and Ayton each scored 20 or more points in a 110-93 victory. The Lakers didn’t just win; they held the Raptors to their season-low point total, proving their defensive prowess when at full strength.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Lakers entered the game having lost five of their last six, with their defense surrendering over 130 points in their previous two losses. Coach Redick acknowledged the challenges, stating, ‘This is a very tough time of year for everybody in the NBA right now. Teams are dealing with injuries to rotation players, starters, and even All-Stars. It makes an already difficult season even harder.’ Yet, the Lakers fought through, and their improving health—with the hopeful return of Austin Reaves soon—has them eyeing a stronger second half of the season.
Now, let’s talk about Deandre Ayton. His performance was nothing short of historic. Ayton recorded a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds, shooting a perfect 10 for 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the free-throw line. But here’s where it gets controversial: Ayton became just the third player in Lakers history to achieve 100% field-goal shooting on 10 attempts with at least 10 rebounds, joining legends Wilt Chamberlain (1969) and Mitch Kupchak (1981). He’s also the first NBA player this season to score 20 or more points on perfect shooting with at least 10 field-goal attempts, and only the 34th player in league history to do so. Ayton humbly credited his teammates, saying, ‘They find me in the easiest spots ever, and I got some easy ones tonight.’ But let’s be real—his performance was more than just ‘easy ones.’
Doncic and James also shone, with Doncic registering 25 points and seven assists despite battling foul trouble, and James adding 24 points and seven assists. Rui Hachimura contributed 10 points off the bench, rounding out a balanced effort.
The Lakers’ first-half performance was particularly impressive. Doncic’s three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left gave them a slim 55-54 lead at halftime, while Ayton dominated the paint with 12 points on perfect shooting and seven rebounds. Their chemistry and energy were undeniable.
Looking ahead, the Lakers face another challenge: the infamous ‘Grammys Trip,’ an eight-game road stretch over two and a half weeks. Starting in Denver, they’ll face tough opponents like the Clippers, Mavericks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Wizards, Knicks, and Nets. This comes on the heels of playing five games in seven days, including two back-to-backs. Coach Redick noted, ‘It’s been a difficult stretch, particularly with injuries and certain games.’ To combat fatigue, Redick expanded the rotation to 10 players against the Raptors, a strategy that kept the team fresh and energized.
But here’s the controversial part: Redick criticized the NBA’s scheduling, particularly the in-season tournament, for creating an ‘imbalanced cadence of games.’ He pointed out that outside of the All-Star break, the Lakers won’t have a two-day break until late March. ‘You kind of have no choice but to prioritize rest and recovery,’ he said. Is the NBA’s scheduling doing a disservice to teams and players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As the Lakers move forward, their health and depth will be key. With Ayton’s historic performance and the return of their stars, they’re poised for a strong second half. But will their schedule allow them to reach their full potential? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: this team is one to watch.
