Barrett returns but Lakers rout Raptors

After the hardest stretch of his life, RJ Barrett finally returned to his “sanctuary.”

Barrett, from nearby Mississauga, Ont., led all scorers with 28 points as his Toronto Raptors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 128-111 on Tuesday. It was Barrett’s first time playing in an NBA game since the death of his younger brother Nathan Barrett.

“It just felt good to be back out there with the guys,” said Barrett. “Playing definitely helped me feel better.”

Barrett added six assists and six rebounds as Toronto (23-52) lost its 14th game in a row. The Raptors’ record for longest losing skid is 17 consecutive games, set during the 1997-98 season.

Immanuel Quickley also returned to Toronto’s lineup on Tuesday, scoring 20 points with six assists. Quickley took a leave after his uncle Shawn Hamilton died of cancer on March 20, missing six games. Barrett, whose 19-year-old brother died on March 14, missed nine games.

Barrett and Quickley played together on the New York Knicks and then were traded to Toronto on Dec. 30. Getting to return to the Raptors’ lineup following their personal losses meant a lot to Barrett.

“During the whole process, we were constantly checking on each other,” said Barrett. “I’ve known him for a long time, so it was definitely hard to go through that but having somebody like that to talk to sure helps.”

D’Angelo Russell scored 25 points and added seven assists as Los Angeles (43-33) won backto-back games.

All eyes were on future Hall of Famer LeBron James and allstar centre Anthony Davis, however. James had 23 points and nine assists while Davis earned a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.