Deandre Ayton delivered a flawless 25‑point, 13‑rebound double‑double on 10‑for‑10 shooting, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119‑112 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Jan 18, 2026. He became the first Laker since the 1977‑78 season to score at least 25 points on perfect shooting with zero turnovers, marking a historic efficiency milestone.
Ayton’s Perfect Shooting Performance
Ayton converted every field‑goal attempt, hitting six shots in the paint and four mid‑range jumpers. He added two free throws to reach 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, seven of them on the offensive glass, creating second‑chance opportunities that kept Toronto at bay.
Stat Line Breakdown
- Points: 25 (10‑for‑10 FG, 2‑0 FT)
- Rebounds: 13 (7 offensive, 6 defensive)
- Turnovers: 0
- Minutes Played: 34
LeBron James praised Ayton’s timing and footwork, noting the “soft hands and high‑IQ play” that stretched the Raptors’ interior defense.
Historical Significance
This performance is the first instance since the 1977‑78 season of a Laker scoring at least 25 points on perfect shooting with no turnovers. The rarity underscores Ayton’s efficiency and places him alongside some of the franchise’s most disciplined scorers.
Impact on Lakers’ Season
The win moved Los Angeles to a 31‑23 record, tightening the battle for the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Ayton’s flawless night provides a blueprint for the team’s offensive identity: high‑percentage shots in the paint, disciplined ball handling, and relentless rebounding.
Playoff Implications
Coach Darvin Ham highlighted the ripple effect of Ayton’s performance, stating that a center who can finish every look opens up spacing for shooters and fuels a more efficient offense. The victory also snapped a three‑game skid against Eastern‑Conference opponents, boosting the Lakers’ confidence heading into the final stretch.
Looking Ahead to Next Challenge
The Lakers travel to Denver next week for a crucial matchup against the Nuggets. Replicating even a fraction of Ayton’s efficiency could solidify Los Angeles’ frontcourt and position the team as a formidable contender in the postseason.
