The Toronto Raptors’ losing streak has reached a staggering 14 games after a 128-111 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
Despite a strong start from the Raptors, who held a 10-point lead in the first quarter, the Lakers quickly took control of the game and never looked back. Led by superstar LeBron James and newly acquired point guard Russell Westbrook, the Lakers dominated the court and handed the Raptors yet another loss.
The Raptors, who have been plagued by injuries and COVID-19 protocols, have not won a game since February 26th. This marks the longest losing streak in franchise history and has left fans and players alike frustrated and disappointed.
Head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “It’s tough. It’s been a tough stretch for us. We’ve got to keep fighting and keep trying to find a way to get out of it.”
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for the Raptors. Forward Pascal Siakam had a strong performance with 27 points and 9 rebounds, while rookie Malachi Flynn added 22 points off the bench.
On the other hand, the Lakers showed why they are one of the top teams in the league. James finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 13 assists, and 14 rebounds.
The Lakers’ dominance was evident throughout the game, as they outscored the Raptors in every quarter and shot an impressive 53.8% from the field.
With this loss, the Raptors’ playoff hopes continue to dwindle. They currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-28.
The Raptors will look to end their losing streak on Thursday when they face the Denver Nuggets. However, with the team still dealing with injuries and COVID-19 protocols, it will be an uphill battle for them to turn their season around.
