Davis rallies Lakers in thriller over Raptors

LOS ANGELES  – Anthony Davis scored a season-high 41 points as the Los Angeles Lakers edged past the Toronto Raptors 132-131 in a thrilling NBA clash on Tuesday.

A pulsating duel that saw no fewer than 23 lead changes swung decisively in favor of the Lakers thanks to a huge fourth-quarter display from Davis.

The eight-time All-Star erupted for 20 points in a high-scoring final period, including a perfect 11-from-11 free throws, to help the Lakers overturn a six-point deficit and claim a second straight victory.

The win followed Sunday’s nail-biting derby victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, and left the Lakers at 19-19 for the season – 10th in the Western Conference.

“We’ll take it, we can do better, but obviously for us that’s a big-time win,” a relieved Davis said after the game.

In other games on Tuesday, the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to an impressive 113-92 road victory over the Orlando Magic in Florida.

The result was never in doubt after Minnesota sprinted into a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter, and the Wolves continued to score freely – extending their advantage to 34 at one stage – as they romped to a wire-to-wire win.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the rout for Minnesota with 28 points.