Los Angeles Lakers lose to Toronto Raptors: 3 Takeaways

Turnovers hurt L.A.

The Lakers were able to get off to a hot start on Friday night because they were able to force turnovers and get out and run on offense. However, they were unable to sustain that throughout the night.

In the loss, the Lakers ended up turning the ball over 21 times compared to just 12 by the Raptors. Considering that the Raptors are the better team, giving them these extra chances. Lonzo Ball and Jordan Clarkson each had four turnovers in the game, as Lakers guards gave the ball up far too much.

Also, Brook Lopez and Brandon Ingram combined for six turnovers in the starting lineup. Considering how poorly the Raptors started the game, their 12 total team turnovers at the end of it really showed how they were able to lock in despite being down early.

The Lakers have shown a great ability to punish teams on the fast break and turnovers are the best way to get out in transition. With a lot of new players getting used to each other, the Lakers aren’t nearly as polished in their half-court sets as some of the other teams in the NBA. Overall, the Lakers have to protect the ball better than they did against the Raptors moving forward.