Anthony Davis scored a season-best 41 points, with 20 of them coming in the final quarter, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat Toronto Raptors 132-131 in the NBA. The Lakers have not been in the best form since winning the In-Season Tournament last month, but LeBron James also chipped in with 22 points to earn a much-needed victory. The New York Knicks also continued their winning streak.

A season-high points tally of 41 from Anthony Davis helped the Los Angeles Lakers to a much needed, but nervy, 132-131 win over the Toronto Raptors.

The power forward produced a brilliant final quarter, scoring 20 of his points in the latter stages, to earn a second successive victory, having struggled for form since winning the NBA In-Season Tournament last month.

LeBron James played his part with 22 points and 12 assists as the Lakers held off a stubborn fight from the Raptors, who had Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley all exceed 20 points.

In a seesaw match, the Lakers saw off their opponents from Canada with 10 converted free throws in the final 34 seconds, despite late three-pointers from Gary Trent Jr and Dennis Schroder.

It was the Raptors’ second defeat in five games since bringing in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from the New York Knicks - who seem to be benefiting most from the trade so far.

OG Anunoby scored 23 as his new side beat the Portland Trail Blazers 112-84, extending the Knicks’ winning streak to a season-best five matches, leaving them fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Anunoby’s tally was his best since moving from the Raptors, while Julius Randle also chipped in with 20, as well as eight assists.

Minnesota Timberwolves got back on track following their defeat to the Dallas Mavericks with a 113-92 victory over Orlando Magic, cementing their position at the top of the Western Conference.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 points, with most of those coming in the first half, as his side took complete control of the match from the start.

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“Tonight I just took what the defence gave me, taking the three when it was open and just shooting it,” said Towns.

“The first shot of the game was me in the corner and (the defence) didn’t decide to come.

“Everyone did a great job of building the lead, sustaining the lead and just continuing to find a way to attack,” said Towns, who had a 100% conversion rate from his five three-pointer attempts.

Elsewhere, the Memphis Grizzlies beat Dallas 120-103 and the Sacramento Kings were 131-110 winners over the Detroit Pistons.