Still setting records! LeBron scores 24 points, surpassing 51,000 career points; Doncic adds 25 as Lakers defeat Raptors

On January 19th, Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Lakers played at home against the Raptors. The teams were neck and neck through the first half, but the Lakers pulled ahead with a strong finish in the third quarter and a dominant fourth quarter. LeBron achieved a career milestone by passing 51,000 points, and Doncic also shone. The Lakers ended their two-game skid with a 110-93 victory over the Raptors.

Statistics:

Raptors: Ingram scored 19 points with 6 rebounds and 7 assists, Barnes added 22 points and 9 rebounds, Biyombo contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds, and Mamuk scored 20 points.

Lakers: LeBron had 24 points and 7 assists, Doncic posted 25 points and 7 assists, Ayton recorded 25 points and 13 rebounds, and Hachimura added 10 points.

Game progression:

At the start of the first quarter, Biyombo opened the scoring with a dunk, quickly answered by Smart’s mid-range jumper. The score went back and forth until it was tied at 6. The Raptors then surged ahead with a 10-2 run to create separation. Vincent hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, and Doncic made two free throws to narrow the gap. The Raptors responded with a 7-3 run, extending their lead to 9 points. The Lakers fought back with a 6-point streak, cutting the deficit to just 4. However, the Raptors maintained pressure and closed the quarter leading 30-23 by 7 points.

In the second quarter, the Lakers started strong with a 9-0 run to take the lead. Barnes finally broke his scoring drought with one of two free throws. The Lakers then went on an 8-3 run to extend their lead to 6 points, but Mamuk’s layup stopped the Lakers’ momentum. Doncic hit a three-pointer and assisted Ayton on a powerful dunk, pushing the Lakers’ lead to 9. The Raptors woke up and answered with a 9-0 run, tying the game at 45. The teams battled closely with scores exchanging hands. By halftime, the Lakers led narrowly 55-54.

In the third quarter, the Lakers came out firing with an 8-2 run to build a 7-point lead. Ingram stabilized the Raptors with a mid-range shot. Quickley scored on a mid-range jumper, and Doncic responded strongly with a three-pointer. The Raptors then went on a 7-0 run to retake the lead, sparking another back-and-forth battle. Late in the quarter, both teams exchanged leads, but the Lakers pulled away with an 11-2 run to gain an 8-point advantage. Mamuk made one of two free throws to stop the Raptors’ rally. After three quarters, the Lakers led 87-80 by 7 points.

In the final quarter, the Lakers opened with a 7-3 run, pushing the lead into double digits. Quickley scored on a dunk, but both teams struggled offensively afterward, with a long scoring drought. The Lakers then went on another 7-2 run to extend their lead to 16 points, effectively sealing the game. Barnes scored a layup in an attempt to close the gap, but LeBron made two free throws to increase the lead. With 3 minutes remaining and a 16-point cushion, the outcome was decided. The game ended with the Lakers defeating the Raptors 110-93.

Starting lineups:

Raptors: Ingram, Barnes, Biyombo, Abaki, Quickley

Lakers: LeBron, Doncic, LaRavia, Ayton, Smart