Toronto’s late rally fell short as the Raptors lost 131–125 to the Lakers in Los Angeles on November 1. NBA game summary.

Luka Dončić gave Toronto trouble from the opening quarter, finishing with 45 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals. He made eight three-pointers and had already scored 24 points by halftime. Austin Reaves added 19 points, while Walker Kessler contributed 16 points and 15 rebounds. The Lakers needed their leading players again at the finish, despite having built a commanding lead. Associated Press via WRAL.

For Toronto, Scottie Barnes supplied 29 points, six rebounds and five assists, and RJ Barrett added 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The Raptors were playing without Kawhi Leonard and centre Jakob Poeltl, leaving them short-handed as they tried to contain one of the league’s most difficult scorers. Sportsnet game analysis.

A comeback in stages

Toronto did give itself a better chance after halftime by taking more care of the ball. The Raptors committed only three second-half turnovers after making 12 before the break. With Dončić sitting to begin the fourth quarter because of foul trouble, Barrett helped spark an 18–5 stretch that brought the gap down to nine. Dončić’s return then helped Los Angeles regain control. Sportsnet game analysis.

The biggest scare for the Lakers came later. Their lead had reached 26 points in the third quarter, and they appeared comfortable enough to remove their starters with 1:43 remaining. Toronto’s reserves promptly scored 11 points in 40 seconds, cutting the margin to 125–120. Dončić, Reaves and Kessler had to come back into the game to protect the result. Associated Press via WRAL.

An encouraging finish, but no escape

Jamison Battle helped drive that late surge, while the Lakers were forced to abandon what had looked like an early finish for their starters. Once back on court, Dončić found Kessler with a long pass for a dunk and made four free throws to close it out. Toronto had made the final possessions meaningful, but its recovery had come too late to undo the earlier damage. Sportsnet game analysis.

The loss opened Toronto’s four-game road trip and was its third defeat in four games. There is little time to dwell on it: the Raptors visit the Clippers on Monday, November 2, while the Lakers host Miami that night. Associated Press via WRAL.