The Lakers defeated the Raptors by 17 points, with a malicious foul occurring on-site where a Lakers player was struck in the groin.

Today, the Lakers hosted the fourth-place Raptors in the East on consecutive nights, with James, Dončić, Ayton, and Hayes all able to participate. Reddick noted that to cope with their fifth game in seven days, the Lakers might rotate 11 players today, aiming to mimic the lineup used against the Hawks. The starting five were Dončić, LaRavia, James, Smart, and Ayton.

At the start, Smart scored the Lakers’ first points with a mid-range jumper, Ayton made a hook shot, and James chased down a block, prompting cheers from the crowd.

The Raptors scored 4 points in a row; Dončić made both free throws, a Raptors basket was ruled invalid after a successful challenge, and the free throw was also made.

Dončić was blocked twice consecutively, waved his arms in frustration at the referees, and then received a technical foul.

James hit a long-range jumper to score his first points of the game.

The Raptors play at a very fast pace on both ends; their fast-break scoring is the best in the league. Vincent made the first three-pointer of the game for either team.

The Lakers repeatedly gave up rebounds; after the Raptors scored, Dončić hit a three, the Raptors answered back, and Dončić continued to rack up points.

The Raptors made a three-pointer, Dončić turned the ball over, prompting a timeout. Vincent’s floater was the Lakers’ last basket of the quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers trailed 23-30 to the Raptors. James had 2 points, Dončić 12 points and 1 assist, Ayton 2 points and 2 rebounds, Smart 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist, and Vincent 5 points.

In the second quarter, Timmy came in, Ayton made a putback, James hit a three-pointer, Smart assisted behind the back, tying the game at 30, forcing a Raptors timeout.

The Raptors still couldn’t score, and James happily added two points.

James pushed the pace, Ayton scored a layup, then completed a and-one play himself.

After Dončić returned, Ayton received a pass and scored easily.

Timmy played smart and clear-headed, hitting a three; after Ayton dunked, the Lakers took a 9-point lead, causing the Raptors to call a timeout.

The Raptors scored 7 straight points; one play looked dangerous but fortunately no harm was done.

After the timeout, the Lakers still couldn’t score, the Raptors kept adding points, and Hayes scored an easy basket.

Ingram hit a three, Dončić responded with a three, and after James returned, he scored a layup.

Ingram scored 4 consecutive points, and Dončić made a three-pointer.

At halftime, the Lakers led 55-54 over the Raptors. James had 13 points, 1 assist, and 1 block; Dončić had 18 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists; Ayton had 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist; Smart had 2 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; Vincent had 5 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist; Hayes had 2 points and 3 rebounds; Timmy had 3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist; LaRavia had 2 rebounds and 1 assist; Vander Blue had 2 rebounds.

In the third quarter, James started by assisting Ayton, who scored with a hook shot.

Smart hit a three-pointer, the Raptors answered, Dončić and Ayton both made floaters, the Raptors scored 4 points in a row, and Dončić responded with a three.

Smart made a mistake, the Raptors went on a 7-point run to take the lead, forcing a timeout. Dončić made a floater, then cut the ball, and James scored on a fast break.

LeBron took a rest; LaRavia scored a floater, the Raptors went on a 5-point run, and Hayes was struck again in the groin, resulting in a flagrant foul on the opponent. It’s hard to count how many times Hayes has been hit in the groin this season.

Hachimura finally made a mid-range jumper; the Lakers’ offense stalled, James returned to the court, Hachimura hit a three, and surprisingly, the Raptors allowed James’s three-pointer.

After the timeout, James ensured Ayton got plenty of scoring opportunities, and Hachimura hit another three from the same spot.

The Lakers entered the fourth quarter leading 87-80, with James scoring 4 consecutive points.

The Raptors made a three, Smart responded with a three, but it seemed Smart tends to make mistakes after scoring.

Neither team scored in two minutes of regular play; Ayton made 4 consecutive free throws, now 9-for-9, with 21 points. Ayton and Hachimura continued hitting mid-range shots, and the game seemed to be slipping away.

Vander Blue made a steal and finished with a powerful dunk on the fast break.

James made both free throws; with 3 minutes left, the Lakers led by 16 points, and the Raptors’ fate was sealed. Smart once again treated James like a lesser version of himself.

The final score was Lakers 110, Raptors 93. James finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists; Dončić had 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists; Ayton had 25 points and 13 rebounds; LaRavia had 2 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; Smart had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists; Hachimura scored 10 points; Vander Blue had 2 points and 9 rebounds; Vincent scored 5 points and had 2 assists; Timmy had 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists; Hayes had 3 points and 5 rebounds; Smith scored 3 points.