The Lakers can create an early lead through their primary guards and interior finishes. Toronto's pressure and bench can turn the next stretch into a very different game. The deciding exchanges should depend on whether those extra possessions become clean shots and whether the defense finishes each stop. Both teams have already shown a response after a major swing.
Barnes and Barrett can attack before Kessler is set, while Quickley and Shead can turn loose Lakers passes into quick chances. Dončić and Reaves can draw contact, and Kessler gives Los Angeles a real answer at the rim and on the final defensive rebound. Leonard was already absent when Toronto's supporting creators helped drive its Orlando win; Kessler played the Lakers' last game and is available. Toronto's bench has shown it can change the middle of a game, while the Lakers' recent large lead disappeared when their later scoring and defensive closure faltered. That's why I'm siding with Toronto to find the winning finish.
