Russell leads Lakers past Raptors 128-111

TORONTO – After the toughest stretch of his life, RJ Barrett lastly returned to his “sanctuary.”

Barrett, from close by Mississauga, Ont., led all scorers with 28 factors as his Toronto Raptors misplaced to the Los Angeles Lakers 128-111 on Tuesday. It was Barrett’s first time taking part in in an NBA sport for the reason that loss of life of his youthful brother Nathan Barrett.

“It simply felt good to be again on the market with the blokes,” stated Barrett, who stated after follow on Friday that basketball is his sanctuary. “Taking part in undoubtedly helped me really feel higher.”

Barrett added six assists and 6 rebounds as Toronto (23-52) misplaced its 14th sport in a row. The Raptors’ report for longest dropping skid is 17 consecutive video games, set throughout the 1997-98 season.

Immanuel Quickley additionally returned to Toronto’s lineup on Tuesday, scoring 20 factors with six assists. Quickley took a depart after his uncle Shawn Hamilton died of most cancers on March 20, lacking six video games. Barrett, whose 19-year-old brother died on March 14, missed 9 video games.

Barrett and Quickley performed collectively on the New York Knicks after which have been traded to Toronto on Dec. 30. Attending to return to the Raptors’ lineup following their private losses meant loads to Barrett.

“Throughout the entire course of, we have been continually checking on one another,” stated Barrett. “I’ve identified him for a very long time, we’ve been collectively for the previous 4 years, so it was undoubtedly laborious to undergo that however having any person like that to speak to positive helps.”

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D’Angelo Russell scored 25 factors and added seven assists as Los Angeles (43-33) received back-to-back video games.

All eyes have been on future Corridor of Famer LeBron James and all-star centre Anthony Davis, nonetheless. James had 23 factors and 9 assists whereas Davis earned a double-double with 21 factors and 12 rebounds.

“There’s all the time been mutual respect and love respect each time I come right here and play right here,” stated James, who obtained cheers each time he made an enormous play. “These followers are all the time appreciative of myself and I simply attempt to all the time give it again to them once I step out on the ground.”

Bruce Brown (proper knee soreness) left the sport within the fourth quarter and didn’t return. His damage was simply the newest in a sequence of well being setbacks for Toronto.

All-star ahead Scottie Barnes (left hand fracture), centre Jakob Poeltl (left hand torn ligament), guard Ochai Agbaji (proper hip contusion), ahead Chris Boucher (partial MCL tear), guard D.J. Carton (proper ankle sprain) and Jontay Porter (private causes) are already out.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic stated that Barrett and Quickley’s return to the lineup did extra than simply enhance the on-court product.

“Basketball is an escape for all of us,” stated Rajakovic. “It’s one thing that gamers love, coaches love, you guys love, everyone loves.

“That is our escape, and that is our protected place and we’re blessed to do basketball for a residing.”

Toronto is mathematically eradicated from the post-season however the remaining seven video games within the season nonetheless matter.

The Raptors’ first-round choose on this summer season’s NBA Draft is conditional, following a commerce with the San Antonio Spurs final season for Poeltl. Toronto has the sixth-worst report within the NBA but when the draft lottery on Might 12 shuffles them to seventh or greater that choose goes to San Antonio.

The Raptors have a 37.2 per cent likelihood within the lottery of transferring up into one of many high 4 draft spots and a 9 per cent likelihood of drafting first general.

Davis and James had 9 factors apiece within the third because the Lakers blew the sport vast open, with a 17-5 run within the last 4 minutes of the quarter lifting the guests to a 100-79 lead. Barrett introduced the sold-out crowd of 19,800 to their toes with a thunderous dunk with 2.1 seconds left within the interval.

Los Angeles, making an attempt to realize floor within the aggressive Western Convention playoff chase, didn’t let up within the fourth quarter, main by as many as 32 factors. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham put all his starters on the bench with six minutes left to play.

“It completely helps. Each minute counts,” stated the 39-year-old James about taking part in lower than 29 minutes within the sport. “I used to be capable of get again right here and get occurring the remedy and my prep, and begin making ready my physique, hopefully, for tomorrow night time.”

UP NEXT — Toronto visits the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

The Lakers proceed their East Coast swing on Wednesday with a cease in Washington, D.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed April 2, 2024.

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