The Lakers left for Toronto red-hot but cooled off on the way, coming out ice-cold Sunday afternoon and eventually falling to the Raptors 123-111 — a score that does not actually reflect the blowout nature of the game.

Los Angeles had won four games in a row and eight of 10; however, they had lost six consecutive games in Toronto. One streak had to give and unfortunately for the Lakers, it was the positive one.

The main reason for their recent improved play had been their defense; the Lakers had given up only 102 points per game during their successful stint after giving up 118 points per game during their preceding nine-game losing streak. They gave up 123 points in this contest, primarily due to their inability to contain dribble penetration or control the glass.

The Lakers were cold from the onset, shooting just 8-of-27 (29.6 percent) from the field in the first quarter, leading to a seven-point deficit at the end of the frame.

Los Angeles started the second quarter on a bit of a run, drawing to within four at 31-27. Then Fred VanVleet took over with 12 points, two assists and one steal in only eight minutes, sparking a 16-5 run to extend the Raptor lead to 15.

The Lakers fought back to the best of their ability, drawing to within 59-49 at the half, primarily on the efforts of Julius Randle. Randle was really the only Laker to play well early on, finishing the half with a 13-point, 10-rebound and four-assist double-double. He was held in check in the second half, ending the game with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Los Angeles drew within five points at 67-62 in the third quarter before the Raptors pulled away with an 18-8 run. All-Star starter DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Raptors in the period with 12 points and three assists.

The game was never in question the rest of the way on a day when the Lakers simply could not knock down their shots, play defense or rebound.

Toronto had seven players in double-digits and multiple strong performances on Sunday, none were more important than the efficient VanVleet who tallied a career-high 25 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals on 9-of-13 shooting from the field, 3-of-4 from 3-point range and 4-of-4 from the free throw line.

Starting point guard and All-Star reserve Kyle Lowry compiled a nice double-double through three quarters with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The Lakers second best player on the night may have been Alex Caruso, who continued his strong play off the bench with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. He was the only meaningful player with a positive rating for the game (plus-4) and provided one of few highlights for Laker fans, dunking two-handed during the second quarter.

Kyle Kuzma was one of many Lakers to struggle on the evening, finishing the game with only seven points, four rebounds and one steal. He did however have one spectacular dunk on former Utah teammate Jakob Poeltl.

Larry Nance Jr. played a decent game with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals while knocking down 7-of-8 from the field.

Brandon Ingram really needed to step up for the Lakers to upset the Raptors but was unable to do so, totaling 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block, but shooting only 4-of-14 from the field and only 5-of-9 from the line.

The Lakers let their poor shooting affect their effort on the defensive end and on the glass on Sunday. They stopped moving the ball and were lacking energy on both ends of the court. They will stay in Toronto for two days in order to rest, practice, heal up and prepare for their next game on Wednesday.

Key Stats and Observations

• The Lakers came into the game leading the league in points in the paint with 53.3 points in the paint per game, as well as 57.5 points in the paint during their four-game win streak. They were tied with the Raptors at 26 points in the paint at the half but were demolished in the third quarter to the tune of 22-4. For the game the Raptors outscored the Lakers 62-44 in the paint.
• Los Angeles was annihilated on the glass, losing the battle 53-44 for the game. Like the final score, that final statistic does not accurately reflect Toronto’s rebounding domination as they went into the garbage-time fourth quarter with a 46-33 lead.
• The Lakers led the league in fast break points during their win streak with 23.2 points per game. The Raptors were able to contain the Lakers’ break, outscoring them 16-8 in the open court.
• Another metric that had favored Los Angeles going into tonight’s game had been opponents’ field goal percentage (43 percent over last 10 games). Tonight they were unable to continue their prolific defense, allowing Toronto to shoot 46-of-92 for 50.0 percent. Conversely, the Lakers’ shooting was off all night as they converted only 40-of-92 for 43.5 percent and 8-of-26 from 3-point range (30.8 percent).
• As usual the Lakers were unable to make their free throws as they shot only 23-of-33 from the line (69.7 percent) vs. 19-of-25 (76.0 percent) for the Raptors.

Up Next

The Lakers head to Orlando to take on the Magic on Wednesday.

Orlando is led by high-flying act Aaron Gordon who is having a breakout season, averaging 18.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.0 3-pointers per game.

Los Angeles is still likely to be without starting point guard Lonzo Ball who is recovering from a sprained MCL in his knee. While he has been able to start shooting and do some training, he is still unable to perform any lateral movements, the tell-tale sign of an injured MCL. The upcoming two days of practice will be crucial for determining his availability for Wednesday.

The Lakers will be hoping Ball is up to speed sooner rather than later as backup point guard Tyler Ennis is struggling to hold down the fort. Ennis had just three points, two rebounds and two steals while playing in front of his family in Toronto.