LeBron James delivered a stellar performance with his second consecutive triple-double, while Anthony Davis chipped in 22 points before exiting the game due to an eye injury. This contributed to the Los Angeles Lakers’ commanding 123-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
Davis sustained the injury when he was accidentally struck in the face by Jakob Poeltl’s hand while attempting to block a dunk at 5:16 remaining in the third quarter. The nine-time All-Star, who was leading the league in scoring at the time, did not return after going to the locker room for evaluation.
In a standout night, James recorded 19 points, a season-high 16 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking his third triple-double of the season and the 115th of his illustrious 22-year career. Austin Reaves contributed significantly to the win with 27 points, helping the Lakers maintain an impressive 5-0 record at home and secure a second victory over the Raptors within nine days.
On the Raptors’ side, Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett each scored 18 points, but the team suffered its fourth consecutive loss and has now dropped eight of its last nine games. Notably, Immanuel Quickley returned to action scoring 12 points after missing eight games with a pelvic bruise.
The Lakers, who stand at 6-4, celebrate their best start through 10 games in four seasons, although concerns loom over Davis’ injury. A pivotal moment in the game came when the Lakers, trailing by double digits, finished the third quarter with a 16-5 run right after Davis left, taking commanding control with Dalton Knecht’s 3-pointer.
A remarkable statistic highlights that James has achieved 13 triple-doubles since turning 37 in December 2021, while only six other players in NBA history have accomplished such a feat after the age of 37, achieving it a total of eight times collectively.
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 victory not only showcases the Lakers’ resilience and depth, but it also serves as a reminder of the ups and downs that can come with a long NBA season. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Davis as he remains a vital part of the team’s ambitions this year.