Lakers vs. Raptors Final Score: Julius Randle has big game off the bench but Lakers lose 102-93

The Los Angeles Lakers underwent a major starting lineup change but the result was the same in a 102-93 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell moved onto the bench and a strange game tipped off with the Lakers starting hot early in the first quarter. They put up a fight but a fourth-quarter stretch sealed the game for the Raptors.

It was a four-point game before Russell subbed out despite turning it on in the second half. D'Angelo was a Robert Sacre offensive interference away from ending the third quarter with six-straight points and the lead for the Lakers, but was pulled with 5:04 left to play after a very assertive fourth quarter. He played just over 21 minutes in his first game off the bench, averaging 27.8 per game prior to the game.

Julius Randle came out with purpose, putting in 10 points and five rebounds in the first half alone. He continued his impressive work on the glass, ending the night with a team-high 11 rebounds. No other player had double-digit boards, yet Randle did it in 20:45. He collected his fifth double-double in six games, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting with four offensive rebounds. His effort trying to keep possessions alive, and defense in several sequences during the second half, were key in the Lakers keeping the score close all night.

Neither lottery pick finished the game, and the Lakers went on to lose by nine. Kyle Lowry was on fire, hitting five of his 11 three-point attempts for a game-high 27 points. Bismack Biyombo took advantage of his size inside, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds and putting an axe in the Lakers back with an alley oop that felt like an earthquake:

The Lakers are off Tuesday before visiting the Timberwolves in Minnesota Wednesday night.