Lakers-Raptors: How to Watch, Odds, Predictions, More

Los Angeles looks to avoid its third straight loss against a probable lottery team.

Apr 2, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball at the basket as Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) tries to defend during the second quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images. / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images.

After an undefeated 2024-25 season start, the 3-2 Los Angeles Lakers are looking to avoid their third straight loss on Friday night. Fortunately for L.A., they're facing off against a probable lottery team in the Toronto Raptors, who've already stumbled out of the gate to a paltry1-4 start.

Los Angeles is hoping to rack up some easy wins. The team will face sub-.500 teams (as of this writing) in its next three matchups. After this Raptors bout, L.A. will play the 1-4 Detroit Pistons Monday, followed by a meeting with former 2023 playoff foes the Memphis Grizzlies (2-3) on Wednesday.

How to Watch

The action tips off at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET in Scotiabank Arena, and will be broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet (and Spectrum SportsNet+ for streaming). Fans on the go in Los Angeles can alternately tune in to the action on Sportsnet 590 and ESPN LA 710.

Odds

According to gambling aggregator The Action Network, Los Angeles is currently a -9.5 point favorite to best Toronto on the road. All-NBA Second Team center Anthony Davis is expected to lead all players in scoring, with his over/under pegged at a lofty 28.5 points. Raptors small forward R.J. Barrett's line is pegged at 24.5 points, while All-NBA Third Team Lakers forward LeBron James' anticipated line is listed at 23.5 points.

Per the NBA's injury report, several key Raptors — including All-Star forward Scottie Barnes, reserve center Kelly Olynyk, and guard Immanuel Quickley — are on the shelf, which no doubt has contributed to this massive anticipated margin.

Predictions

Look for the Lakers to recuperate from a nasty 134-110 blowout defeat against James' Cleveland Cavaliers by beating the spread. They'll wallop Toronto by double digits. Maybe rookie point guard Bronny James will even get to appear in his third game of the year if it reaches blowout-level.

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Davis has been on an absolute tear of late. The nine-time All-Star is averaging 30.6 points on .546/.250/.763 shooting splits, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.6 steals a night. He's essentially looked as good as he did during his first season with the Lakers, 2019-20, and perhaps even as good as he looked while leading the New Orleans Pelicans during his absolute playing prime.

He should be able to make mincemeat of Toronto center Jakob Poeltl. The 7-foot big man is averaging 13.8 points on 56 percent shooting from the field and 76.5 shooting from the charity stripe, plus 12.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 blocks a night, solid numbers on their own. He's not the kind of volume scorer Davis is, and is slower-footed than the 31-year-old Kentucky great.

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