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Toronto Raptors beat LeBron and Lakers without Kawhi: 4 takeaways

By Paul Taylor

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors dunks in front of Josh Hart #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on November 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors dunks in front of Josh Hart #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on November 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 04: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his dunk during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2) Serge Ibaka

There were times last season, when Serge Ibaka looked like a shadow of his former self. As a result, this led to speculation about his future, with the Raptors apparently interested in trading him and his large salary.

However, Ibaka has been a revelation so far in 2018-19 under coach Nick Nurse and this was on display Sunday night, with a career performance. He was hot from the word go as he made his first 14 shots, the first player to do so since a certain Shaquille O’Neal in 2006.

The 29-year-old didn’t miss a shot until the 5:16 mark of the third quarter. He ended the night with a career-best 34 points.

Ibaka also grabbed a season-high 10 boards, as the Lakers’ small lineup struggled to slow him down. He gave a humble assessment of his performance after the game, as reported by Sports Illustrated:

"“I was just focused. I knew Kawhi was out tonight, so I just wanted to go out there and do my best.”"

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