Lakers ride Luka Dončić’s 45-point night past Raptors

LOS ANGELES — Luka Dončić set the tone defensively before taking control on offense Sunday night, drawing multiple charges and steals in the opening five minutes against the Toronto Raptors.

By the end of the night, he had given the Lakers nearly everything they needed.

Dončić scored 45 points with 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals as the Lakers held off Toronto 131-125 at Crypto.com Arena to improve to 5-2. He made eight 3-pointers, pairing his scoring with a defensive effort that coach JJ Redick praised afterward.

“He’s been awesome on defense,” Redick said. “I think, even just his on ball (defense) throughout this early stretch of games has been really good just in terms of containment.”

Austin Reaves added 19 points, and Walker Kessler finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Scottie Barnes scored 29 points for Toronto, while RJ Barrett added 22.

Dončić helped establish control early, scoring 16 first-quarter points while making four of five attempts from beyond the arc. One came on a crowd-roaring bank shot from the wing, part of an opening period in which he also recorded four steals, four rebounds and three assists.

The Lakers led 36-23 after the first quarter, combining seven steals with four blocks. Dončić’s willingness to step in front of drives was as much a part of that start as his shooting.

“I think taking a charge in general is just a form of leadership, right?” Redick said. “You’re putting your body on the line for the team.”

Toronto stayed within reach behind its outside shooting in the second quarter, but the Lakers took a 66-54 lead into halftime. They added to the advantage in the third, outscoring the Raptors 38-28 and building a lead that reached 26.

Dončić continued to stretch Toronto’s defense, forcing the Raptors to choose between defending him individually and sending additional help.

“When he has it going, it’s pick your poison, ’cause he can just make any shot, and then you start putting two on the ball and everybody else is the beneficiary of that,” Redick said. “He’s a terrific offensive engine.”

The fourth quarter proved less comfortable.

With Dončić on the bench after picking up five fouls, Toronto opened the period on an 11-5 run and eventually cut the deficit to single digits. The Lakers restored their cushion, only to face another push after both teams emptied their benches.

Redick pulled his starters with a 125-109 lead and 1:43 remaining. Toronto then scored 11 points in 40 seconds, forcing Dončić, Reaves and Kessler back onto the floor. Kessler’s dunk with 36.4 seconds left pushed the lead to seven, helping Los Angeles close out the win.

Dončić’s offense carried the Lakers, but his work on the other end remained a focus afterward. All 15 of his rebounds came on defense, complementing the steals and charges that helped establish their early advantage.

“Obviously, I’m not the best defender in the NBA,” Dončić said. “But I think this year I’m really taking a step forward.”

Kessler credited Dončić’s positioning and ability to anticipate plays.

“Luka doesn’t get enough credit for his defense,” Kessler said. “So, his, positional defense, just being in the right spot at the right time is really good, and it showed tonight.”