Could this be the final time LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard play as opponents? Only time will tell with rumors circulating that Leonard has his heart set on signing with a Los Angeles team in this summer's free-agency circus, but until then, the two find themselves in completely different end-of-season scenarios.
The Lakers (31-36) finally put an end to their five-game losing streak on Tuesday by beating Chicago, the fourth-worst team in the NBA. Sitting seven games back of the final West playoff spot, the Lakers have virtually waved the white flag in the past few days, shutting down players like Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball and announcing that they'd be limiting LeBron's minutes.
MORE: Watch Lakers vs. Raptors live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
The Raptors (48-20) occupy the No. 2 seed in the East and are the only other team outside of Milwaukee to secure a playoff berth. Despite their spot in the standings, Toronto has struggled since the trade deadline when it acquired Marc Gasol and signed Jeremy Lin, going just 4-4 in their last eight games. The Raptors lost, 126-101, to a 17-win Cleveland team on Monday, even with Leonard back in the lineup after taking a game off.
Toronto won the only previous matchup between the two teams this season, 121-107. Serge Ibaka, who was recently suspended three games for fighting Cavs forward Marquese Chriss, had a career-high 34 points in the win over the Lakers.
What time is Lakers vs. Raptors?
The Lakers and Raptors tip off on Thursday, March 14, at 8 p.m. E.T.
Lakers vs. Raptors TV channel, live stream
The game will be broadcast as part of TNT's national telecast. It can also be streamed live online with fuboTV, which offers a free trial.
Where is Lakers vs. Raptors being played?
The Raptors return home to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto for the first time in three games. They've lost just two of their past eight games in their home arena. The Lakers are 13-20 on the road.