Breaking News: Lakers Rally Over Raptors as Morant Returns; Night of Standout Performances Across the NBA
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Lakers Rally Over Raptors as Morant Returns; Night of Standout Performances Across the NBA
- 2. Other Sunday Night NBA Action
- 3. Key Takeaways
- 4. Evergreen Insights
- 5. Engagement
- 6. What were the final scores, key player performances, adn highlights from the Lakers, Bulls, Hornets, Grizzlies, Rockets, and Trail Blazers games on January 19 2026?
Los Angeles, Jan 18, 2026 — The Los Angeles Lakers seized control with a strong defensive effort to defeat the Toronto Raptors 110-93 at Crypto.com Arena. Center Deandre Ayton led LA with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Luka dončić added 25 points in his return from an injury, and LeBron James chipped in 24 as the Lakers snapped a rough stretch with a much-needed win.
The Raptors, who lost both meetings with the Lakers this season, received 22 from scottie Barnes and 20 from Sandro mamukelashvili. Toronto also watched center Collin Murray-Boyles leave the game in the third quarter with a sprained left thumb. He finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Other Sunday Night NBA Action
In Chicago, coby White scored 24 as the Bulls stormed past the Nets, 124-102, converting 52.1 percent from the floor and dishing out 41 assists. Ayo Dosunmu added 19 off the bench, and Nikola Vucevic posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
For Brooklyn, Nolan Crouch Traore came off the bench to tally 16, with jalen Wilson and Danny Wolf each scoring 14 in a reserve-heavy effort.
Charlotte rode a balanced attack to a 110-87 victory over Denver, led by Brandon Miller with 23 points. The Hornets, who had dropped eight straight to the Nuggets, also got 17 from rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner and a double-double from Tidjane Salaun (13 points, 11 rebounds). LaMelo Ball contributed 10 in the win.
Denver struggled offensively, tying a season-low in points as Jamal Murray left the game midway through the third quarter with the Nuggets trailing. Julian Strawther posted 15 points, with Jalen Pickett and Peyton Watson adding 12 and 11, respectively.
In London, Memphis returned Ja Morant to the lineup after a six-game absence and defeated Orlando 126-109. Morant had 24 points and a season-high tying 13 assists. Jock Landale came off the bench for 21 and eight boards, while Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 17 points and five rebounds. The Grizzlies are among teams discussed in trade chatter ahead of the Febuary 5 deadline.
The Magic were led by Anthony Black with 19 points and six assists, and Paolo Banchero totaled 16 points, nine assists and eight rebounds as Franz Wagner added 14.
Houston snapped a skid with a 119-110 win over New Orleans as Jabari smith Jr. dropped a season-high 32 points. Kevin Durant moved into sixth place on the all-time scoring list with two late free throws that sealed the victory,finishing with 18 points and eight assists. Amen Thompson contributed across the box score with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Alperen Şengün added 21 points and eight rebounds.
New Orleans was led by Trey Murphy III with 21 and Zion Williamson with 20, while rookie derik Queen notched 15 points and five assists in defeat.
Portland claimed a 117-100 win at Sacramento, with Deni Avdija returning from a back injury to score a game-high 30 points. Shaedon Sharpe added 27 and Donovan Clingan posted a double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds. The Trail Blazers have won 10 of 13 and sit at .500 for the first time as mid-November.Zach LaVine led the Kings with 23 points, as Malik Monk and Russell westbrook each scored 23 in a losing effort.
Key Takeaways
The Lakers’ improved defense carried the day, turning a recent defensive trend around as Ayton connected on all 10 attempts after missing a game with a back issue.Dončić’s return provided needed punch, while Morant’s comeback energized Memphis ahead of a busy stretch toward the trade deadline.
| Game | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| lakers vs Raptors | 110-93 | Ayton 25 PTS, 13 REB; Dončić 25 PTS; LeBron 24 PTS; Murray-Boyles inj | Los Angeles |
| Bulls vs Nets | 124-102 | White 24 PTS; Bulls 52.1 FG%; 41 assists | Chicago |
| hornets vs Nuggets | 110-87 | Miller 23 PTS; Kalkbrenner 17 PTS; Salaun 13 PTS,11 REB | Denver |
| Grizzlies vs Magic | 126-109 | Morant 24 PTS,13 AST; Landale 21 PTS | London |
| Rockets vs Pelicans | 119-110 | Smith 32 PTS; Durant 18 PTS; Thompson 20 PTS | Houston |
| Trail Blazers vs Kings | 117-100 | Avdija 30 PTS; Sharpe 27 PTS | Sacramento |
Evergreen Insights
Sunday’s results highlighted how short stretches of sustained defense can pivot a game,even when offenses are potent. The Lakers’ late-season push could hinge on maintaining defensive focus while integrating returning stars. Morant’s return in London adds depth to a Grizzlies group that remains a potential trade candidate as the deadline approaches. Durant’s milestone underscores the longevity of elite scorers, while Avdija’s return offered a boost for portland’s balanced attack at a crucial point in the schedule.
Looking ahead, teams will weigh the trade landscape as February 5 draws near.For fans, the weekend produced a reminder: in the NBA, a single game can redefine momentum for weeks to come.
Engagement
What stood out most from this weekend’s action? Which performance changes you expect to shape teams’ playoff runs in the coming weeks?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which squad you believe will carry this momentum into the February stretch.
Disclaimer: Player health updates and game outcomes are reported as of the latest games; injuries and roster moves can affect future performances.
What were the final scores, key player performances, adn highlights from the Lakers, Bulls, Hornets, Grizzlies, Rockets, and Trail Blazers games on January 19 2026?
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