Betting
Los Angeles Lakers vs Toronto Raptors Preview: Tips, Odds, & Prediction
Date: Monday, 18th January 2026 Start time: 6:30 pm local time (2:30 am BST) Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California TV/Streaming: NBC Sports California, Prime Video, NBA League Pass Records: Los Angeles Lakers 23-13, Toronto Raptors 23-16 The Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Toronto Raptors for this exciting battle between playoff-contending teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences. Both teams are scrapping for a spot in the postseason as the midway point of the season approaches, but which team will prevail in downtown Los Angeles? After carefully evaluating various platforms, we recommend that new bettors research these top NBA betting sites, as they are known for offering generous opportunities to new users.
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Luka Doncic / Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Toronto Raptors: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
Los Angeles Lakers: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
Forecast odds – Betting available on bet365 closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors have contested on 58 occasions in the regular season. The Lakers have won 36 matches, compared to the Raptors winning only 22. Notably, the home side has won six games in a row dating back to March 2023.
Last 5 Matches:
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2025-26 Season | December 4, 2025 | Los Angeles Lakers 123-120 Toronto Raptors |
| 2024-25 Season | November 10, 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers 123-103 Toronto Raptors |
| 2024-25 Season | November 1, 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers 131-125 Toronto Raptors |
| 2023-24 Season | April 2, 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers 128-111 Toronto Raptors |
| 2023-24 Season | January 9, 2024 | Los Angeles Lakers 132-131 Toronto Raptors |
Toronto Raptors From & Key Stats – LWWWL
Record | Home Form | Road Form |
23-16 | 12-8 | 11-8 |
The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of an exciting playoff battle, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference at the time of writing. The Canadian side has posted a similar record at home and on the road, losing just eight games in each setting. Despite their respectable seeding, there is every possibility they could raise their ceiling and move up to second place.
Toronto Raptors – Offense vs Los Angeles Lakers
The Toronto Raptors have one of the most effective ball-moving offenses in the league. As the NBA reaches the halfway mark of the season, the Raptors rank third in the league with 29.4 assists per game. This high assist average highlights their ability to share the offensive workload across the roster, a key factor behind their playoff ambitions this season.
Despite their primary skillset being redistributing the ball, Toronto are 23rd in the NBA on the points per game averages, putting in a surprising 114.1 points per game.
Key Players to Watch
- Scottie Barnes (Forward) – The 24-year-old is averaging an impressive 10.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His scoring is roughly the same in previous years, but he’s producing career highs on defense and in coverage.
- Brandon Ingram (Forward) – Ingram continues to produce the goods in his first year in Canada. He’s averaging 21.8 points per game, an impressive output in a new setting, in addition to propping up 5.9 rebounds.
- Immanuel Quickley (Guard) – Quickley isn’t producing career-best numbers, but is consistently proving to be a key member in their starting five. Averaging 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, he’s a key asset on offense.
Injury Report:
- Chucky Hepburn – Out
- RJ Barrett – Out (ankle)
- Jakob Poeltl – Out (back)
- Scottie Barnes – Day-to-day (knee)
- Brandon Ingram – Day-to-day (thumb)
Los Angeles Lakers Form & Key Stats – WWWLL
Record | Home Form | Road Form |
23-13 | 10-7 | 13-6 |
Despite losing two of the last five games, the Los Angeles Lakers are in fifth place in the Western Conference and have games in hand on the teams above them to rise even further up the ranks. The Lakers have a lot of superstar power, but not a well-rounded roster to compete for the top two seeds.
Los Angeles Lakers – Offense vs Toronto Raptors Defense
The Los Angeles Lakers rank 18th in the league in points per game, which is surprising given their scoring talent. However, where it matters most, they boast efficient shooters across the lineup. The Lakers currently rank second in the league in field-goal percentage, underscoring how dangerous they are from all areas of the court. Los Angeles’ percentage is at an impressive 49.6%, behind only the Denver Nuggets.
Key Players to Watch
- LeBron James (Forward) – James is still playing at a high level despite missing the first quarter of the season. Averaging 21.9 points per game is his lowest since his first NBA season, but he’s still finding his feet this year, even though he’s 41 years of age.
- Deandre Ayton (Center) – Numerically, he’s not playing up to standard from previous years, but 13.9 points and 8.3 rebounds are impressive numbers when you consider the two megastars surrounding him.
- Luka Doncic (Guard) – Doncic has raised the standard on shooting, averaging a career-high 33.3 points per game. Unsurprisingly, with a standard like that, it numerically makes him the best in the league. He’s also averaging 8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game, too.
Injury Report:
- Austin Reaves – Out (grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain)
- Rui Hachimura – Out (calf)
- Adou Thiero – Out (right MCL sprain)
Predicted Line-Ups
Toronto Raptors
Guard: Immanuel Quickley
Guard: Brandon Ingram
Center: Sandro Mamukelashvili
Forward: Collin Murray-Boyles
Forward: Scottie BarnesLos Angeles Lakers
Guard: Luka Doncic
Guard: Marcus Smart
Center: Deandre Ayton
Forward: Jake LaRavia
Forward: LeBron James
Value Bets
Our Value bets offer the best balance between risk and reward based on recent form and matchup trends. If you’re placing a wager through betting sites in the USA, use these selections as a simple starting point and always stick to your budget.
Total Points: Under 243.5: Neither offense stands out in point per game averages, so we’re predicting this game to go under 243.5 points.
LeBron James to post at least 20 points and at least 10 assists: In his last five games, LeBron James has impressive averages of 19.8 points and 11.6 assists per game. Therefore, with his current season metrics, we predict he posts a 20-10 stat line from both stat departments.
Lakers to Win: The Lakers have won the last six matchups, making them a clear favorite.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Can Win
- The Lakers have a six-game unbeaten streak over the Raptors.
- Luka Doncic and LeBron James are two of the best shooters in the league.
- Los Angeles has a higher points per game average than Toronto.
Expert Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers to Win
Our betting prediction is that the Los Angeles Lakers will win this clash. The Lakers boast a stronger roster and will rely on their scoring power to secure the victory. Their current six-game winning streak also bolsters our conclusions, as it is their longest unbeaten run in the past three years.
Henry Cheal is a versatile freelance sports journalist with extensive experience in the industry. Henry has previously worked at the 2024 World Snooker Championship and earned a Multimedia Sports Journalism degree from UCFB in 2023.
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