'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
LeBron James has a familiar foe waiting when the LA Lakers face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. There have been few rivalries in recent memory where the focus was on one man as much as it does when James goes up against the Raptors.
He has the famous “LeBronto” moniker for a reason, holding a 46-16 record against Toronto while averaging 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.9 assists.
However, James and the Lakers arrive in Toronto fresh off Tuesday’s frustrating 125-108 loss against the Phoenix Suns, a game the 40-year-old would rather forget. The Lakers superstar scored 10 points on 3-for-10 shooting to keep his historic double-digit scoring streak alive. It was the Lakers’ first loss in seven games, as LA has been rolling lately with a 9-2 stretch since Nov. 11.
Trending
The Raptors had also been getting solid results until a recent road stretch became a bit of a speed bump. After reeling off 13 wins in 14 games, Toronto dropped two straight to the Hornets and Knicks before heading home to clinch a 121-118 win over the Blazers.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
They currently sit second in the East, but New York, Miami, Orlando, and Boston are all hot on their heels. They'll be hoping to notch another win to keep their season rolling.
LA Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
LA Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
The Lakers have been playing some excellent basketball of late, but this trip will test them for many reasons. They will be without two important pieces, including Luka Doncic.
Doncic is listed out on the injury report due to personal reasons, with many rumors suggesting he’s set to become a father for the second time. His status for the next game against the Celtics is also questionable.
Offseason addition Marcus Smart is also missing the game due to a back injury. The veteran guard has missed the last three games, and his next chance to return would come on Friday against his former team.
With Doncic unavailable, LeBron James is set to lead the offense, flanked by Austin Reaves, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton in the starting unit.
Toronto Raptors Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
As for the Raptors, RJ Barrett will once again be out with a knee injury. Jakob Poeltl is also ruled out with a lower back injury.
The remainder of the lineup is expected to remain similar to the one that defeated Portland, except Jamison Battle, who will most likely replace Poeltl. Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and Ja’Kobe Walter round out the starting five.
Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.
