Lakers Hold the Star Power Edge Over a Shorthanded Raptors Group

By NBA Stat Desk How we produce articles

Luka Doncic's form and Toronto's thin frontcourt tilt this one toward Los Angeles.

TOR @ LAL Nov 2, 2026 at 2:00 AM UTC

The Lakers enter this one with the best player on the floor and a Toronto team missing some of its size and star power. Luka Doncic is averaging 36.0 points and 8.3 assists, and he drives everything Los Angeles does on offense. His back tightness cost him one game earlier this season, but he was left off the injury report and played against the Warriors. That points to him being available here, and Toronto will have to find answers for him without much margin for error.

The Raptors' injury list makes that task harder. Kawhi Leonard is out with left knee swelling, and center Nate Bittle is out with a right avulsion fracture. Without Leonard, Toronto loses its most obvious source of shot creation and a forward who could have helped on Doncic. Without Bittle, the frontcourt rotation gets thinner, which could leave the Raptors short on bodies when Los Angeles attacks the paint.

RJ Barrett is Toronto's best path to staying close. He leads the team at 22.0 points per game and has scored at least 20 in each of its first four games. With Leonard sidelined, the Raptors will lean on him for scoring, and the question is whether he gets enough help to keep pace.

The Lakers have their own uncertainty. Ziaire Williams, a starter and defensive piece, was ruled out against Golden State because of foot management, so his status here is unclear even though ESPN lists a Nov. 1 return. Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero have been depth absences, though Thiero's return is also listed for Nov. 1. Losing Williams would cost some perimeter defense, but Doncic's output should outweigh it. I expect Los Angeles to control the game's tempo late and win by a comfortable margin.

Prediction: Lakers 119, Raptors 109.

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