By: Adam El-Zein

RJ Barrett and the Toronto Raptors hosted LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for their second and final matchup of the regular season. The Lake Show looking to climb their way up the standings during this final two-week stretch of the season. As for the Raps, they’re looking to snap a 13-game losing streak.

A Familiar Face

LeBron James has been defeating father-time all season long. He’s been as efficient as ever, leading the league in true shooting percentage since the all-star break at 68%. He’s also at a career-high 42% from three, which is a big-time jump from last year’s 32%.

His efficiency and basketball genius were on display in Scotiabank Arena, as it’s usually been throughout his career. James finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds, on 10/12 shooting with only one turnover. He was picking his spots and doing what he does best, getting to the rim and making big-time plays.

The oldest player in the league received a standing ovation from the crowd when stepping onto the court, as it was his first time on the Scotiabank Arena hardwood in over two years. Many fans in attendance wearing their LeBron jerseys got their money’s worth from the L-Train.

Barrett Back Like He Never Left

RJ Barrett made his return against the Lakers after missing 9 straight games since the tragic passing of his brother Nathan. Before his absence, Barrett was putting up monster numbers for the Raps, averaging 21 points on 55% from the field, and 42% from three.

He came into the game looking to make a statement. With James making his return to Scotiabank Arena, RJ ate up much of the spotlight. He was questionable heading into the matchup but got cleared to give it a go. He didn’t look a single step slower, putting up 28 points in just 26 minutes of play. His conditioning looked good and he was very explosive on both ends of the floor. His return was a good sign for Raps fans, as it was in question whether or not he’d be back out on the hardwood this season.

Quickley also made his return after missing six games, mourning the death of his uncle Shawn Hamilton who passed away on March 20th. He contributed 20 points and 6 assists. Yet, neither effort was enough to sustain the Lake Show.

A 14th Straight Loss

Things haven’t swung in the Raps’ favor at all this season. As hard as they play, they’ve come up short time, and time again. Tonight was no different. They lose this one by a blowout of 17 points, now dropping their last 14.

The Raptors went on a 17-game losing streak during the 1997-98 season. If they’d like to have something to play for, it would be to not reach that record amount of consecutive losses. They have a tough two-game road-trip ahead of them, where they’ll take on the Timberwolves tomorrow, on the second end of a back-to-back, as well as the Bucks on Friday.