Game 69: Lakers at Raptors!

The Once & Former King?

• Raptors looking to bounce back after an ugly loss to Cleveland on Monday. The last time Raptors lost to Cleveland was during the 2018 playoffs, which is also the last time that LeBron James was in town. The circumstances are much different tonight
• Raptors will need to win without Serge Ibaka who is suspended for 3 games after going after Marquese Chriss and throwing a few punches. Chriss got 1 game. Raptors sign PF Eric Moreland to a 10-day contract to fill the void. Fred Van Vleet remains out, though he has started practicing with the team again
• The Lakers' season hasn't gone they way they hoped. Struggling for a playoff spot and dealing with many injury issues. Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram are both out for the remainder of the season

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Magic Johnson"

Magic was a phenomenal player, no doubt. As a GM though, he hasn't got the greatest track record and this disappointing season must have him a little worried about his job security. Anthony Kiedis and the Chilis still believe in ya though! Here's a track from 1989's Mother's Milk when things were much happier in lala land.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Spring Laker

This chilled-out, bro-ish drank was invented in Spring Lake, NJ. It's One part Vodka, 2 parts Red Bull and a splash of pineapple juice!

Raptors 2nd in East 48-20! Lakers 11th in West 31-36!

Game 10: Raptors at Lakers!

Lake Show

• Raptors started their four game Western road trip with a win in Phoenix over the Suns 107-98. Tonight it's one of those games everyone had circled. Kawhi returns to his home town of LA where LeBron James has joined the Lakers
• Of course the news is Kawhi jammed his ankle on Friday and is questionable tonight, but let's hope he summons the strength to play
• Lakers added some odd pieces to go along with LeBron James. JaVale McGee, Mike Beasley, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo. Along with their returning young guys like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Bradon Ingram. This should be a fun team to watch grow.
• OG Anunoby and Fred Van Vleet returned to the Team on Friday against the Suns. Both should be good tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Rainbow - "LA Connection"

Rainbow is a classic hard rock band with several legendary members. Ronnie James Dio for one, who also lend his vocals to Black Sabbath and his own band Dio, and Ritchie Blackmore who's most famous work is the guitar player in Deep Purple.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Spring Laker Cocktail

Inspired by the Jersey Shore town of Spring Lake, this cocktail is 2 parts Red Bull, 1 part Vodka and splash of Pineapple Juice

Raptors 1st in the East 8-1! Lakers 11th in West 4-5!

Game 48: Lakers at Raptors! OVO Night!

Shake off that bad loss and miracle shot by Ricky Rubio Friday night and come out strong tonight as a young and upcoming Lakers team comes to visit Toronto. Still in the Black & Gold today!

• Jonas Valanciunas had himself a career night on Friday scoring 28 points and coming up with 14 rebounds!  JV for MIP? Who says no?
• The Lakers will be without Lonzo Ball who is dealing with an MCL Sprain, which means the Canadian Tyler Ennis will likely get the start at PG
• As I said above the Raptors need to shake off that bad loss on Friday night, but they also need to drain open shots. The ball movement of this year has been great and thats the main reason for it.
• It's still OVO theme night at the ACC. Let's get back to a 500 record in those unis boys!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Sam Sparro - "Black and Gold"

Enh, why not?

Tonight's Gameday Drink!

Black Gold Beer

Brought to us by the Central Waters Brewing Co. It's a heavier beer, an American Double / Imperial Stout. Though looks like it only a one time brew as it was a limited edition release.

Raptors 2nd in East 32-15! Lakers 11th in West 19-29!

Game 5: Raptors at Lakers!

It's the Lonzo Ball show as the Raptors roll into Los Angeles for a battle with the Lakers! Since we just faced Steph Curry we'll see if Ball Sr. is correct in comparing the two...

• It is Lonzo Ball's birthday today, so hopefully the Raptors can spoil the 2nd overall pick's birthday celebrations.
• Still a bit too early to tell if Jonas or Bebe will be playing for Toronto. Both were sidelined with ankle injuries earlier this week, though Jakob Poeltl has been playing execptionally well in their stead. In fact he leads the league in offensive rebounds
• Lakers should be at full health. That includes Brook Lopez who they acquired from Brooklyn and rookie sensation Kyle Kuzma, who has cooled off a bit since his sizzling debut

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Tragically Hip - "Lake Fever"

Yes Gord Downie has passed and left a nation in mourning. Thank goodness we'll always have fantastic music like this to remember him by. It's not Ball fever, though tonight might feel that way, it's Lake Fever from the Hip

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Highball

In honour of Lonzo Ball we'll be having a taster's choice tonight! A Highball isn't exactly a specific drink, rather it's a glass or any drink mixed with a spirit and larger proportion non-alcoholic mix. Highball it up my friends!

Raptors 8th in the East 2-2! Lakers 7th in the West 2-2!

Game 19: Lakers at Raptors!

Another win during the six game home stand! Raptors beat Memphis 120-105 on Wednesday night! It's Friday night in TO and the lake show is in town!

• The Lakers have an impressive young team coached by an impressive young coach in Luke Walton. Plenty of talent to keep an eye on tonight: Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Larry Nance Jr and Jordan Clarkson
• D'Angelo Russell and Jose Calderon are on the injured list for LA. Usual 2 for the Raptors (Sullinger and Wright)
• Raptors got Hawks tomorrow and Cavaliers on Monday, so a win tonight would be nice before they head into that tough 2 game stretch.
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: One time Toronto Six Man Of The Year Lou Williams now makes his home with the LA Lakers and still finds himself in a comfy bench role and as mentioned earlier Jose Calderon, long time Raptor mainstay and fan favourite, also dons the purple and gold, though tonight he will be sitting on the bench

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Tragically Hip - "Lake Fever"

Don't think they were talking Showtime when Gord and the boys recorded this one for their 2000 album Music @ Work.  But a great song nonetheless. With their young core I can see why many LA fans have caught the Laker Fever, they'll be a good time for years to come.

Raptors 2nd in East 12-6! Lakers 9th in West 10-10!