Today’s NBA update brings news of the Los Angeles Lakers falling 93-102 to the Toronto Raptors on the road, suffering a season sweep and extending their losing streak to three games. This game marked Kobe Bryant’s final visit to Toronto, where he delivered a solid performance with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 8-of-16 from the field. It was Kobe’s first game this season with a shooting percentage over 50%, making it his most efficient outing so far.
Before tip-off, the Lakers made a lineup change, inserting Lou Williams and Larry Nance Jr. into the starting five in place of D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. Coach Byron Scott believed this adjustment would inject more energy into the team’s play. Early on, the change appeared to work. The Lakers moved the ball more fluidly, creating better open looks. They hit 5 of their first 6 shots and 7 of their first 9. Kobe nailed two mid-range jumpers and dished out three assists, helping the Lakers jump to a 15-8 lead.
However, the Raptors quickly adapted, tightening their defense and responding with a 15-3 run. By the end of the first quarter, Toronto had seized the lead, 25-22. In the second quarter, both teams rotated their benches. The Lakers’ offense faltered, and Kobe missed a few shots before heading to the bench for a breather. Seizing the opportunity, DeMar DeRozan and Cory Joseph attacked the rim with success.
BD Cricket Live observed Kyle Lowry taking over the game, hitting four three-pointers within just over five minutes, alongside free throws and aggressive drives to the basket, tallying 16 points in a dazzling stretch. Though Kobe returned with a strong drive and layup, the Lakers still trailed 42-52 at halftime.
The second half started much like the first. The Lakers came out with fire, as Lou Williams drained a three-pointer and Kobe scored six quick points through a fadeaway, fast break, and free throws. Their 15-6 surge brought them within one point. Yet, the lack of consistent offense caught up with them, and the Raptors pushed the lead back to eight. Thankfully, before the third quarter ended, Metta World Peace hit a three-pointer, and Russell added a mid-range shot and a fast-break layup to tie the game at 71-71.
Entering the final quarter, BD Cricket Live noted that benched young stars Russell and Randle showed great determination, scoring consistently and keeping the game within reach. But when it mattered most, Lowry once again stepped up, drawing a foul and sinking two free throws to spark a 7-0 Raptors run that effectively iced the game.
Kobe, clearly running on empty, airballed a long-range shot and missed another mid-range jumper. With the Raptors pulling ahead by 13 points with two minutes left, the outcome was sealed. Kobe exited the court with 24 seconds remaining, receiving a standing ovation from the Toronto fans in a heartfelt tribute to his legendary career.