The Lakers are 4-2 and fourth in the standings, one night removed from watching Golden State erase a 25-point lead, 112-95. Today they host Toronto, a 3-2 team that has been better by the numbers than the record suggests.
Morning After Oakland
Doncic scored 37 at Golden State and Reaves added 21, yet it was not enough. Reaves took the blame for the second unit's struggles, according to Silver Screen and Roll, and Lakers Nation reported that Doncic admitted the team must handle opposing blitzes better. JJ Redick, per Lakers Nation, asked for patience. Reaves has scored at least 21 in all six games, so the problem is not his scoring.
Toronto Arrives Healthy-ish
The Raptors, coached by Darko Rajakovic, have a net rating of 10.8 across five games, against 6.0 for the Lakers across six. Scottie Barnes averages 24.0 points, and ESPN's preview pointed to his 41-point outing. Kawhi Leonard is out with a knee injury, which leaves Toronto without a 19.5-point scorer from his two games. For Los Angeles, Lakers Nation reported that Cameron Carr is available. Ziaire Williams is day-to-day with an estimated return of today, while Adou Thiero remains out. By our count, one of one players newly listed day-to-day on this club has missed the next game.
The Week Ahead
Heat tomorrow, Kings on Nov. 4, then Portland on Nov. 6 in the Emirates NBA Cup. The Lakers sit level with Spurs, the sixth-place team, at 4-2, and are two games clear of the 11th spot. Their rest is even, one day for each side. The payroll of $201.3 million sits just above the $200.4 million tax line, so the margin for roster fixes is small.
Who do the Lakers play today?
They host the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 1, then face the Heat on Nov. 2.
Is Ziaire Williams playing against the Raptors?
He is listed day-to-day with a foot injury and an estimated return of today. Adou Thiero is out.
