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Los Angeles Lakers: Toronto Raptors break winning streak

By Gabriel Saavedra

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 10: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #4 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates during a 113-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 10: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #4 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates during a 113-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers were on a seven-game winning streak heading into Sunday night. That streak ended against the Toronto Raptors.

Heading into game nine of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ morale was high. No team insight seemed like they could beat the Lakers—except, the Raptors. They put on a great display of team effort and team ball. The Lakers, however, did not.

The stars were underwhelming and did not play a smart game. LeBron James got himself a triple-double at the cost of shooting 5 of 15 from the field for only 13 points. LeBron made plays for his teammates all night.

He, however, did not make smart plays for himself. He looked like a shadow of last year’s LeBron, besides the defensive effort he gave tonight. LeBron is going to need to step up next time in a much bigger and better way.

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Anthony Davis became a letdown in the late third and fourth quarter. He seemed to be on his way to a good game until he started to be lazy and have a poor shot selection. He still got himself 27 points on 50% shooting, but he should have scored more and shot better. Shots just seemed to roll out for the Lakers tonight.

Kyle Kuzma. Talk about a disappointing start to the season this far. One of the Lakers’ fan favorites had a very poor outing. His defense looked atrocious against anyone on the floor. Giving up basket after basket. I also, found him not trying to go up and block shots because he did not want to get fouls.

The coaching is also to blame for the loss. Rotations were a bit questionable tonight. Having Dwight Howard play more than JaVale McGee is usually the best thing for the team. Except tonight McGee was having himself and game and brought energy to the floor. Whereas Howard played lackluster and slow.

Also, not putting Troy Daniels in more seemed odd, he was lights out shooting the three. Yet, he didn’t get many minutes in the second half of play.

Last but not least, Danny Green. An awful outing from the former Raptor. He played 27 minutes and had zero points. He was a ghost tonight, playing very badly. Missing shots his normally makes and his defense did not seem to be as strong as it was the past few games. I would expect him to pick it way up next game.

There were only three good things that came out of the loss. That JaVale McGee had himself a night, Playing tough and attacking the rim for 10 points. Troy Daniels found his footing from beyond the arc again, shooting three for five from three.

Lastly, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope only got four minutes. If we’re being honest, it’s about time. He has underperformed the whole season and shouldn’t be getting heavy minutes.

Overall it was a bleak showing from the Lakers. It looked as if there were no communication on offense or defense. Giving up easy buckets, not taking smart shots, and playing lazy.

Next. Dream Corey Seager trade scenario. dark

Next game they need to re-group and get back to their winning way. I would expect nothing more from the Los Angeles Lakers after such an unexpected loss.

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