Right now, if you're asking what's the score of the Lakers, you're probably looking for updates on their Sunday night clash against the Toronto Raptors. The game is set for a 6:30 PM PST tip-off at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Since the game is scheduled for tonight, January 18, 2026, there isn't a final score yet. However, the energy in DTLA is already buzzing. This is a big one. The Lakers are coming off a frustrating 132-116 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers just last night.
Honestly, back-to-back games are brutal. You've got tired legs, travel fatigue, and very little time to watch film. But that's the NBA.
The current situation for the Lakers
The Lakers currently sit at 24-16. They're 6th in the Western Conference. It's a tight race out West, and every game feels like a playoff preview. Toronto isn't a pushover either, coming in at 25-18.
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Luka Doncic has been the engine for this team. He’s averaging 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. It’s basically video game numbers at this point. When people search for what's the score of the Lakers, they're usually checking to see if Luka has already dropped a 40-point triple-double by the third quarter.
Key injuries to watch
Injuries are kinda ruining the vibe for both teams tonight. The Lakers have five players on the report.
- Luka Doncic: He's listed, which always makes fans nervous.
- Deandre Ayton: Crucial for paint protection.
- Anthony Davis: His status is always a talking point.
On the Raptors' side, they’re missing Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett. That’s a lot of size and scoring out of the lineup. If the Lakers can exploit the interior without Poeltl there to contest shots, it could be a long night for Toronto.
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Why this matchup matters
The last time these two met was back in early December. The Lakers took that one 123-120 in a total nail-biter. Austin Reaves went absolutely nuclear in that game, dropping 44 points. Will he repeat that? Probably not, but the Raptors definitely remember it.
Scottie Barnes is the guy the Lakers have to stop. He’s the heart of that Toronto roster. If Jarred Vanderbilt or Rui Hachimura can't keep him out of the paint, the Lakers' perimeter defenders are going to be forced to collapse, leaving shooters open.
Betting lines and expectations
The oddsmakers have this as a pick 'em, essentially. Most books have the Lakers as a very slight 1.5-point underdog, which is interesting considering they’re at home. The over/under is hovering around 223.5.
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If you're tracking what's the score of the Lakers for betting purposes, keep an eye on the first-quarter spread. The Lakers have been notoriously slow starters lately, especially on the second night of a back-to-back.
How to watch the game
If you aren't just following the box score, you can catch the broadcast on SportsNet LA. For those outside the local market, it’s on TSN or available via NBA League Pass.
- Check the local listings for 6:30 PM PST.
- Fire up the Fubo stream if you're on the go.
- Monitor the live play-by-play on the NBA app.
The atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena is always different when a team like Toronto comes to town. There's a weirdly high number of Raptors fans in SoCal. Expect a lot of "We The North" jerseys mixed in with the Purple and Gold.
Basically, the Lakers need a win to stop a potential slide. Losing two in a row to Portland and then Toronto would spark some uncomfortable conversations on sports talk radio tomorrow morning.
Next steps for fans:
Keep your NBA app notifications on for live scoring updates throughout the night. If the Lakers can't control the boards early, expect the score to lean in Toronto's favor by halftime. Monitor the official injury report 30 minutes before tip-off to confirm if Luka is 100% good to go, as that changes the entire dynamic of the game.