Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, finishing with 45 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and five steals in 35 minutes of play. The performance marked his fourth consecutive game with at least 37 points, including a 52-point outing against the Utah Jazz earlier in the week.
Doncic shot 12-of-23 from the field, including eight-of-12 from three-point range, and was 13-of-13 at the free-throw line. His 45-point effort was his 20th 40-point game as a Laker, and his 37.7 points per game average through six games ranks as the fifth-highest scoring start in NBA history, according to ESPN Insights. The only player to average more points through six games since 1986-87 was Michael Jordan, who finished that season at 37.1 points per game.
The Lakers built a 26-point lead in the third quarter before Toronto mounted a late comeback, but Doncic’s performance secured the win. Austin Reaves added 19 points, while Walker Kessler contributed 16 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. The Lakers improved to 5-2 with the victory, while the Raptors fell to 3-3.
Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team’s long-term development, stating, “Frankly, this entire season is about becoming a great team. We believe we can become a great team, and I think as coaches and players, we all have to participate in patience with that.”
The Lakers’ offense relied heavily on Doncic, who has averaged 8.2 rebounds and 7.3 assists while shooting 43.2% from three-point range this season. The team’s turnover issues persisted, with 22 turnovers in the game, though their balanced contributions from role players provided a lift after a 25-point lead collapse to the Golden State Warriors two nights prior.
Toronto’s Scottie Barnes led all scorers with 29 points and six rebounds, but the Raptors were unable to contain Doncic’s offensive dominance. The loss marked their third defeat in five games to start the season.