Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton had one of the best games of his career on Sunday. Ayton was part of a hardworking Lakers team that took down the Toronto Raptors, 110-93. The big man led the team with his efficient performance from the field with 25 points on 10-for-10 shooting. The former No. 1 pick secured 13 rebounds and had a block.
Luka Doncic didn’t have to score a lot against the Raptors, since he had help from Ayton and LeBron James. Doncic had 25 points and seven assists on 41.7% shooting from deep. James added 24 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two blocks for the Lakers.
After the game, Ayton credited James and Doncic for helping him find his rhythm on the floor.
“Really them just running the floor, crashing the glass hard and just posting up hard,” Ayton said. “It’s a physical game in the beginning and the refs let us play tonight when it comes to just doing everything with pace and add a little physicality to the game. That’s where I dwell at.
"JJ was really on us about having pride in our defense."
Deandre Ayton (25 PTS on 10/10 FG, 13 REB) speaks with @LakersReporter following the #Lakers 110-93 victory over the Toronto Raptors. pic.twitter.com/qzD6J6bY6o
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 19, 2026
“I felt good tonight and I appreciate Luka and LeBron, really finding me, getting me to open spots, and getting me some easy looks.”
Luka Doncic spoke highly of Deandre Ayton’s effort on both ends
The Lakers have always performed well when Deandre Ayton is aggressive on both ends. Luka Doncic is aware of that, and he spoke highly of Ayton’s performance on both ends.
“Very good.When he plays like this, focused on both ends, it helps us a lot. It helps us win games and that’s what we need from him,” Doncic said.
Deandre Ayton had his best game since the New Year. He’s appeared in eight games, averaging 11.5 points and 9.1 rebounds. The Lakers’ win over the Raptors is his first 20-point game since December 14.
LA snapped their two-game losing streak and will start their eight-game road trip on Tuesday.
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