The Coach’s Pulse — Darko Rajaković on 123–120 Loss to Lakers | Toronto Sports Pulse
THE COACH’S PULSE
Darko Rajaković — Post-Game Breakdown After 123–120 Loss to Lakers
Rajaković discusses late-game execution, Barnes’ defense on LeBron, rookie growth moments, foul discipline, and what the young Raptors can take from a narrow loss to a championship-caliber Lakers team.
On the Final Possessions Without a Timeout
“I thought on all their post stops when they were double-teaming, we did a good job cutting and finding open people. BI had an iso against their five-man, got to the spot we wanted at the rim. Was it a foul or not? That’s not important — we missed the layup. But those are the shots we’re willing to live with. Same as the Indiana situation. We trust him in those moments and will continue trusting him.”
On Whether Barnes Needs Faster Decisions vs Help Defenders
“He had seven assists tonight. I thought he passed the ball really well. Sometimes we put him in tough situations with the clock running down. As a team we must trust the pass. We had 39 assists — we moved the ball. We scored 120 points. Offense wasn’t the issue. Defense in the first half was the problem — 40 points in the paint. Much better in the second half.”
On Holding LeBron to 8 Points but Still Facing His Playmaking
“Scottie did an outstanding job on him. Four for 17 — Scottie made it really tough. But LeBron still sees the floor incredibly well and makes the right pass. We missed our shot at the end, and they made theirs. That’s the difference. We have another one tomorrow.”
On Rookie CMB Defending LeBron
“It’s great. The difference is only 20 years of experience. For him to get those reps guarding a player like that is huge. Same with Austin Reaves — a very tough matchup. We need to do a better job not fouling him when he’s already picking the ball up. These are lessons for young guys.”
On Defending Star Players Without Foul Trouble
“This league is a league where certain players get more calls. That’s reality. We must be very cautious. JaKobe did a good job showing hands, but even then those guys get to their spots — they’re elite scorers. We kept him to 14 in the first half, but he got going in the second.”
On Young Players Stepping Up With RJ Barrett Out
“Think about how young those guys are — playing against LeBron and a team built to compete for a championship. The growth these reps give them is incredible. Great minutes from the whole group. This is going to help them get better.”
On Whether JaKobe Earned Closing Minutes
“Yes, absolutely. But Jamal was also doing a really good job organizing us offensively and helping spacing for Quickley. Both of them deserved to finish. Tough decisions.”
On Managing Fatigue in a Packed Schedule
“This is the NBA — there’s no place for fatigue. Another game tomorrow. We get ready, lace up, and hoop. No excuses.”
Pulse Takeaway
Toronto battled wire-to-wire with a veteran Lakers team, showcasing real growth from its youth while nearly stealing the game late. Barnes’ elite defensive work on LeBron, the poise of JaKobe Walter, and 39 assists as a group were bright spots. Rajaković emphasized lessons in foul discipline, late-game decision-making, and maintaining trust in his young core — with another opportunity right away on the second night of a back-to-back.
