Doncic scores 45 as Lakers beat Raptors at Crypto.com Arena

Luka Doncic scored 45 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. The win at Crypto.com Arena moves the Lakers to 5-2 on the season.

Doncic shot 12 for 23 from the field and 8 for 12 from beyond the arc. He also made all 13 of his free throw attempts. His stat line included six assists and five steals.

The Lakers built a 26-point lead during the third quarter. Austin Reaves added 19 points, while Walker Kessler recorded a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Kessler shot six for six from the floor and blocked three shots. Collin Sexton contributed 14 points off the bench. Rookie Cameron Carr played his first game of the season but did not score.

The team turned the ball over 22 times. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 29 points and six rebounds. Toronto now stands at 3-3.

Coach JJ Redick said the roster is still developing chemistry with nine new players. He described the season as a process to build a championship team. "Frankly, this entire season is about becoming a great team," Redick said. "We believe we can become a great team and I think as coaches, players, we all have to participate in patience with that."

Redick noted that the team addresses issues rather than accepting them. "Doesn't mean you allow things to happen and say, 'Oh, that's fine. That's OK.' No. No. No. You address those things," he said. He added that players are open to dialogue with each other and the coaching staff.

Ziaire Williams missed his third straight game due to left foot soreness. Redick said a scan was clean and that Williams is feeling better. The Lakers host the Miami Heat on Monday night.