Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Prediction for Sunday November 1 2026

The Lakers were up 38-15 after one quarter Friday night. Luka Doncic had 21 points in the opening 12 minutes, and Golden State looked like it was heading for a long evening.

Then the Lakers fell apart.

They lost 112-95. That’s a 17-point loss in a game they once led by 25.

Now, I know that sounds like a good reason to stay away from Los Angeles. But I’m looking at Toronto coming into town without Kawhi Leonard, and I’m thinking the Lakers have a pretty good opportunity to get that bad taste out of their mouths.

Toronto visits Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 1, with tipoff at 9 PM ET. The Lakers are coming off Friday’s loss to Golden State, while the Raptors lost 121-114 to Orlando. Los Angeles has been listed as a 2.5-point favorite in published betting analysis, with a total of 226.5. I’m taking the Lakers and the Over. With the NBA season picking up you should make sure you check out our free NBA picks to find a winner.

Toronto Raptors Have Been Competitive, but They’re Missing an Important Scorer

Toronto is 3-2 after Friday’s loss to Orlando. The Raptors beat the Magic 129-99 on Wednesday, then turned around and lost the rematch by seven points two nights later. That’s basketball for you. One night everything works, and the next night you’re wondering where the defense went.

The Raptors scored 114 Friday, so offense wasn’t the biggest problem. Allowing 121 was. Toronto has been capable of putting together good defensive performances, but it hasn’t done so consistently. The Raptors also haven’t been nearly as productive away from home, and now they’re facing a Lakers team that has been scoring well at Crypto.com Arena. That makes this a tougher matchup than the standings might suggest.

Scottie Barnes scored a career-high 41 points against Orlando on Friday. That’s a tremendous performance, and it tells you Toronto has somebody who can carry the offense for a night. Immanuel Quickley has been averaging six assists, while RJ Barrett gives the Raptors another player who can attack the basket. But Leonard is out with a knee problem, and Nate Bittle is also unavailable with a foot injury. Missing Leonard takes away a major scoring option and an experienced defender. That’s a big deal against Doncic.

Los Angeles Lakers Need to Play Four Quarters

The Lakers are 4-2, including a 2-1 home record. They beat the Clippers 103-87 Wednesday before losing to Golden State Friday. That loss was ugly because Los Angeles had the game under control early. You don’t build a 25-point lead and expect to lose by 17. But that’s exactly what happened.

The Lakers scored only 95 points against Golden State and committed 22 turnovers. Their bench contributed just seven points. Seven. That’s not going to win many games. Still, Los Angeles has averaged 127 points across its first three home games, and that’s why I’m not expecting another offensive disaster. The Lakers have been much more comfortable scoring at home, and Toronto just allowed 121 to Orlando.

Doncic scored 37 against Golden State, hitting six three-pointers. Austin Reaves added 21, and Walker Kessler pulled down 13 rebounds while blocking five shots. Those are useful performances even in a loss. The Lakers need more from their bench, no question. Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero are unavailable, while Ziaire Williams has been dealing with a foot problem. But Doncic and Reaves give Los Angeles two dependable offensive options, and I think that’s enough against this Toronto lineup.

Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Prediction

Los Angeles Lakers -2.5

I’m taking the Lakers minus 2.5. Toronto can absolutely win if Barnes has another huge game. He just scored 41, so I’m not going to pretend the Raptors lack offensive talent. But I don’t expect Doncic and the Lakers to let Friday’s collapse happen again. Los Angeles has been scoring much better at home, Toronto is missing Leonard, and the Lakers have won seven straight meetings between these teams. I think Doncic gets his points, Reaves gives him enough help, and Los Angeles wins by five or six.

Over 226.5 Points

I’ll take Over 226.5. The Lakers have averaged 127 points in their three home games, and Toronto just played a 235-point game against Orlando. Both teams have players who can create their own shots, and neither defense looked particularly comfortable Friday. The concern is Los Angeles turning the ball over again or getting almost nothing from its bench. That could slow the scoring considerably. But I think the Lakers get back into the 115-120 range, and Toronto does enough to help. Something like Los Angeles 118-112 sounds right.

Final Picks: Los Angeles Lakers -2.5 and Over 226.5 Points