Lakers end losing skid vs Raptors
The Lakers snapped their two-game losing skid on Sunday night as they took down the Toronto Raptors 110-93 in Los Angeles. The win marked one of the better all-around efforts for the LakeShow this season.
THE LAKERS WENT RAPTOR HUNTING TONIGHT đ pic.twitter.com/EnLM77epoX
â Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 19, 2026
Second Half Defense Shines
After giving up a combined 267 points in their last two games, the Lakers rewrote the script on defense and held the Raptors to just 39 points in the second half, including only 13 in the fourth quarter.
The defensive charge was led in large part by Jarred Vanderbilt, who posted a +25. Vanderbilt also had 2 steals and 2 blocks. LeBron James and Luka Doncic also showed increased effort defensively, even despite Doncic’s offensive struggles.
Balanced ScoringÂ
The Lakers had 3 different Lakers reach the 20-point threshold in Doncic, James, and Deandre Ayton. Rui Hachimura also added 10 points off the bench.
In addition, six different Lakers hit at least one three-pointer, and everyone who touched the floor (in non-garbage time minutes) scored. This allowed the Lakers to shoot 48% from the field and 38% from three.
For a team that has struggled with scoring depth outside of the big 3 all season long, it was a refreshing change.
Ayton Efficient in ReturnÂ
After missing the game against the Blazers due to left knee soreness, Deandre Ayton returned in a big way. The Lakers’ big man shot 10 for 10 from the field en route to a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Ayton is an X-Factor every night for the Lakers. That makes nights like this one, where he remained engaged, could be the recipe for many more W’s.
Up NextÂ
It is that time of year for the Lakers: the Grammy road trip. LA will play its next 8 games away from home. This includes marquee matchups against the Nuggets, Mavs, Cavs, and Knicks.
The trip is often a measuring stick for the quality of the team every year. This time around will be no different.
