Redick Says Raptors’ Physical Defense Fueled Lakers Turnovers

The Lakers held off Toronto for a 131-125 win at Crypto.com Arena on November 1, but coach JJ Redick said the Raptors’ aggressive defense exposed a problem with how the NBA calls contact on the perimeter. Los Angeles improved to five wins for the season and was set to face Miami after playing on consecutive nights.

The Lakers turned the ball over 24 times, and those turnovers led to 30 Raptors points. Toronto committed 26 personal fouls. Redick said defenders often grab the arm a ball-handler is not using to dribble before trying to knock the ball away, and that some Lakers turnovers came after that contact.

Redick had predicted before the game that Toronto’s turnover-focused defense would involve frequent fouling. The Raptors entered the contest leading the league in turnovers forced and defensive turnover percentage, while also averaging the most personal fouls per game. Redick said officials tend to give teams that defend that way more leeway.

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 45 points, 15 rebounds and six assists. He said the game had become more physical over the past two years and that players needed to adjust to the contact. The Lakers made 54% of their shots overall and 49% beyond the arc, while attempting seven more free throws than Toronto, 32 to 25.