Grading Lakers Players After Slim Victory Against Raptors: “Scream” LeBron Debut..

Providing a letter grade for every Los Angeles Lakers player after their victory against the Toronto Raptors.
LeBron James

LeBron James entered the arena with a “Scream” mask on his face and we pretty much knew what was coming next. The Los Angeles Lakers have ended their two-game skid with an up-and-down victory against the Toronto Raptors. The King has owned the Raptors for a very long time, and tonight was no different (27 points, 10 assists) as Anthony Davis also continued his MVP-level play with 38 points and 12 rebounds.

After establishing a dominant 26-point advantage in the first half, the Lakers faced a second-half rally from Toronto that brought the lead down to single digits. Still, the Raptors were unable to bring it closer than a few points, and the Lakers sealed the win comfortably in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers’ record jumps to 4-2 and fans are appeased by the clutch showing against the less-talented Raptors who were without Scottie Barnes. With an exciting Friday night performance in the bag, we grade every Lakers player before their upcoming matchup against the Detroit Pistons.


Anthony Davis – A+

Stats: 38 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers, 14-20 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 10-11 FT, 36 mins

Davis was dominant on both ends, scoring 38 points on an impressive 14-of-20 shooting while controlling the boards with 12 rebounds. His 3 steals and 2 blocks were pivotal in setting the defensive tone, and he capitalized at the line with a 10-of-11 performance. Davis’s consistent aggression in the paint and efficient scoring continues to place him among the MVP candidates this season and he has not taken one night off so far.


LeBron James – A+

Stats: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 9-17 FG, 5-8 3-PT FG, 4-6 FT, 36 mins

Entering with a “Scream” mask, LeBron lived up to the hype with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Lakers’ offense with precision. His 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc was a boost, and he kept turnovers to a minimum with just one. LeBron’s all-around play and energy kept the Raptors on their heels throughout, solidifying his legendary dominance over Toronto.


Austin Reaves – B+

Stats: 20 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, 4-13 FG, 0-6 3-PT FG, 12-14 FT, 34 mins

Austin Reaves poured in 20 points and played well as a facilitator with 6 assists, although his 4-of-13 field-goal shooting left room for improvement. He drew contact effectively, going 12-of-14 from the line, showing his knack for getting to the stripe. Reaves’ hustle and defense were valuable, and despite his struggles from deep, he contributed heavily to the Lakers’ scoring.


D’Angelo Russell – B+

Stats: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 7-13 FG, 3-6 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 32 mins

Russell provided a strong offensive outing with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three. His 6 assists added smooth ball movement, and he hit clutch shots that extended the Lakers’ lead. Russell’s shot selection was on point, though his defense could use work to complement his impressive scoring.


Rui Hachimura – C+

Stats: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 3-12 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG, 1-1 FT, 33 mins

Hachimura had a mixed performance, scoring 9 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but he struggled from the field, going just 3-of-12. He made 2-of-5 from three, which helped, but his overall inefficiency limited his impact. Rui’s presence on the boards and his physicality on defense were positives, but improving his shooting consistency will be key.


Max Christie – C+

Stats: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 5-5 FT, 13 mins

In limited minutes, Christie scored 7 points, including going 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, and added 5 rebounds. His efficiency was a bright spot, but with just one field goal attempt, his offensive involvement was limited. Christie’s hustle and composure on the court were evident, and he’ll likely continue earning minutes if he maintains this level of play.


Jaxson Hayes – C+

Stats: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 2 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 2-2 FT, 15 mins

Hayes played his role well, adding 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His defensive presence in the paint was noticeable, as he altered shots and grabbed key rebounds. While he wasn’t heavily involved offensively, Hayes’ energy and rim protection were valuable in maintaining the Lakers’ lead.


Dalton Knecht – C

Stats: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 19 mins

Knecht contributed 5 points and 2 rebounds in 19 minutes, shooting 2-of-5 from the field and 1-of-3 from deep. His limited scoring and one turnover showed he’s still adjusting to his role, but his effort on the defensive end was there. Knecht’s shooting touch could be beneficial as he finds his rhythm with the team.


Gabe Vincent – C

Stats: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1-6 FG, 0-4 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 21 mins

Vincent struggled offensively, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting, including 0-of-4 from three, but he added 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Despite his off night, he contributed defensively and limited his mistakes with zero turnovers. Vincent’s shot selection and accuracy will need to improve to make a bigger impact.


Bronny James – N/A

Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 0-0 FT, 8 secs

Bronny made a brief appearance in the final seconds, with no stats recorded. His entry was a crowd-pleasing moment more than anything as he lives out his and his father’s dream situation.

Related Posts

Instant Analysis: How The Los Angeles Lakers Avoided Disaster In Narrow Win Against The Toronto Raptors..

Los Angeles Lakers survived Raptors comeback to snap 2-game skid. The Los Angeles Lakers managed to secure their fourth win (131-125) on Friday and snap their first 2-game losing…

BREAKING: Austin Reaves’ Injury Status In Lakers-Raptors Game..

Austin Reaves went to the locker room during Friday’s game. UPDATE: Austin Reaves will return (h/t Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet). On Friday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers…

BREAKING: The Lаkerѕ could аdd Collіn Sexton to theіr roѕter іf they comрlete thіѕ trаde wіth the Utаh Jаzz.

The Loѕ аngeleѕ Lаkerѕ hаve gotten the 2024-25 NBа ѕeаѕon off to а ѕolіd ѕtаrt by ріckіng uр bіg wіnѕ over the Mіnneѕotа Tіmberwolveѕ, рhoenіx ѕunѕ, аnd ѕаcrаmento Kіngѕ. But two ѕhаky loѕѕeѕ…

BREAKING: Lаkerѕ guаrd ѕufferѕ арраrent аnkle іnjury durіng mаtchuр аgаіnѕt the Toronto Rарtorѕ.

The 3-2 Loѕ аngeleѕ Lаkerѕ fаced the Toronto Rарtorѕ аѕ раrt of theіr fіrѕt roаd trір of the NBа ѕeаѕon, ѕhowcаѕіng а domіnаnt fіrѕt hаlf where they buіlt а 23-рoіnt leаd. аfter ѕtаrtіng…

BREAKING: Jаrred Vаnderbіlt receіved а concernіng іnjury uрdаte durіng the Lаkerѕ’ roаd trір.

The Loѕ аngeleѕ Lаkerѕ аre іn the mіdѕt of а fіve-gаme roаd trір аnd hаve droррed theіr lаѕt two gаmeѕ аfter ѕtаrtіng the ѕeаѕon 3-0. But аѕ…

BREAKING: The Lаkerѕ аre reрortedly eyeіng $23 mіllіon former chаmріon center for theіr roѕter.

Center remаіnѕ on toр of the Loѕ аngeleѕ Lаkerѕ‘ wіѕh lіѕt. аmіd the Lаkerѕ’ reрorted іntereѕt іn trаdіng for Utаh Jаzz‘ѕ young center Wаlker Keѕѕler, а former Lаker іѕ аlѕo on theіr…