Raptors Beat LeBron James, Lakers Despite Kawhi Leonard Sitting Due to Injury

The Toronto Raptors stayed red-hot even without Kawhi Leonard, earning a 121-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.

Toronto (9-1) jumped out to a 41-10 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game before cruising to an easy road victory at Staples Center. Serge Ibaka set a career high with 34 points on 15-of-17 shooting in the win.

LeBron James finished with 18 points and six assists as Los Angeles (4-6) struggled to keep up on the scoreboard.

Lakers Won't Contend for Playoff Spot Without Improved Defensive Effort

Offense is all the rage in the NBA among fans, but you can't win games at this level without defense. The Lakers have been testing this theory, and sure enough, their results haven't been positive. Los Angeles entered the day ranked 27th in the NBA with 119.9 points allowed per game, and every opponent had scored at least 110 points.

The trend continued against the Raptors, who scored 121 points on 50 percent shooting. Toronto had 32 assists and just 11 turnovers in the win.

While in the past you could blame a lack of talent, that shouldn't be an issue with long, athletic players like James, JaVale McGee, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram on the floor. The reality is that there was a lack of effort throughout the day, with even the best players allowing easy baskets:

The embarrassing performance hit record levels in the first quarter:

It's difficult to play with 100 percent intensity on every play across 82 games, but the Lakers aren't good enough offensively to make up for the defensive lapses. Teams like the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz have also showed what you can accomplish with maximum effort defensively.

The question is what happens now and who is to blame. Some are hoping for a change in personnel, while others expect head coach Luke Walton to take the fall:

Tyson Chandler is expected to join the team after he clears waivers, per the New York Times' Marc Stein (via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN), but he is far from the player he was five years ago and won't completely turn things around on that end of the floor.

The real change needs to come from the players on the court. They need to provide more energy to prevent opponents from getting easy baskets. Otherwise, the routs will continue against quality opponents.

Improved Balance Makes Toronto More Dangerous as a Contender

The Raptors have had several disappointing playoff exits in the past few years, but this team could be different thanks to the depth and balance on the court.

While Leonard is an elite player on both ends, the Raptors showed Sunday they have plenty of options even if he isn't available.

Ibaka was the star of the day, but Kyle Lowry is the catalyst for success. He finished with 21 points and 15 assists. Nine of those assists came in the 42-point first quarter:

It was the eighth straight game Lowry has reached double-digit assists, and his 11.6 assists per game lead the league. Considering he has never averaged more than 7.4 assists per game in a season, the veteran is clearly coming into each game with a different, more helpful mindset than we have seen in the past.

Meanwhile, the team's depth has been impressive, as its underrated players have exceeded expectations:

Pascal Siakam has looked like a difference-maker in the post, but he is just one of seven players who entered the day averaging double figures.

In past seasons, the Raptors offense often relied upon DeMar DeRozan creating for himself, and the team struggled when he had a poor game. The rebuilt attack no longer relies on a good game from any one player.

This offensive balance will help Toronto compete against the best teams in the NBA and potentially make a deeper run in the postseason.

What's Next?

The Lakers will remain at home for a battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Raptors will face a quick turnaround with a road game against the Utah Jazz scheduled for Monday.