Lakers fall ten games under .500 in loss to Raptors.
The Lakers dropped to ten games under .500 in tonight's loss to the Raptors, scoring just 12 points in the first quarter as the Lakers fell into an early 26–6 deficit, falling to Toronto 114–103 to drop their season record 29–39.
Frank Vogel spoke on the Lakers’ early struggles in tonight's loss, saying:
"Second game in a row where we came out shooting the ball really ice cold."
Despite another disappointing loss (many this season), the Lakers remain in the 9th seed, which would put them in the play-in spot for a chance to make the playoffs. They would play the New Orlean Pelicans, who are currently one game behind them in the 10th spot at 28–40.
After his historic night in Sunday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James finished another night over 30 points, scoring exactly 30 points in 40 minutes on 58% (11-for-19) shooting, standing in second place in the scoring title with 29.7 points per game this season behind MVP front runner Joel Embiid.
Talen Horton-Tucker was the Lakers' second-leading scorer, finishing with 20 points on 61% (8-for-13) shooting, adding 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and a couple of steals in 27 minutes off the Lakers bench.
Horton-Tucker was asked if missed shots can be contagious after tonight's loss, explaining:
"Yeah. Especially early on. When we struggle to make shots, it's hard for us to win."
In 34 minutes of action, Russell Westbrook finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 40% (4-for-10) overall from the floor and 6-for-7 from the foul line.
Westbrook was also asked about the slow starts for the Lakers in their last two losses, saying:
"I'm not sure. I don't have an answer for you on that one."
The Lakers' next matchup comes back on the road this Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who sit at 40–30 on the season as the Lakers look to snap a nine-game road skid and climb back in the win column.