LeBron James achieved his second consecutive triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Toronto Raptors with a score of 123-103 on Sunday night. Anthony Davis contributed 22 points before exiting the game due to an eye injury sustained while blocking a dunk attempt by Jakob Poeltl with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. The nine-time All-Star had been leading the league in scoring at the time of his injury and was subsequently ruled out after heading to the locker room.
In a standout performance, James recorded 19 points, along with a season-high 16 assists and 10 rebounds, marking the 115th triple-double of his illustrious 22-year career. Austin Reaves also shined by scoring 27 points, leading the Lakers to a perfect 5-0 record at home. This victory also marked the second win over the Raptors in just nine days.
On the Raptors’ side, Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett each scored 18 points; however, the team has now suffered four consecutive defeats and eight losses in their last nine games. Notably, Immanuel Quickley managed to score 12 points in his second consecutive game after returning from an eight-game absence due to a pelvic injury.
A key moment in the match came when the Lakers ended the third quarter on a 16-5 run following Davis’ injury, taking control of the game with a decisive edge, which was solidified by a three-pointer from rookie Dalton Knecht.
With this win, the Lakers, now boasting a record of 6-4, have secured a winning record through their first ten games for the first time in four seasons. However, the uncertainty surrounding Davis’ injury casts a shadow over their momentum.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, while the Raptors will conclude their five-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.
This match highlights the Lakers’ resilience and depth, particularly in challenging situations, and gives fans hope that they can maintain their upward trajectory as they navigate the season. The team’s ability to overcome adversity could serve as a cornerstone for future successes, especially with star players like LeBron stepping up.