I know there's really nothing really new in training idea's, just recycled old stuff that's been forgotten and somehow brought back to life from time to time but there are two current way's of doing laterial raises with some of my heavy duty training Bud's.
1) Do 8 rep's of strict LR's starting with the DB's against the thighs, raising up in a straight line with the body (your can also do this sitting). Hold the front of the DB's down so the little finger is higher than the hand it's self and with a very slight bend to the elbow. Lower slowly. As soon as your done with the last rep (of this strict style) and without rest grab a pair of 10 or 20 lb heavier DB's. Start with them held in front of you, elbows bent and swing the weight up to shoulder height. Try for 6-8 reps. This final movement is a Cheating style but you must be sure to have complete control of the movement/weight at all times throughout the exercise. Try for 2 or 3 cycles of this exercise with a 60-90 second breaks between cycles.
2) Press a pair of DB's overhead touching together at the top. The poundage should be about 10lbs+ over what is used in your regular laterial raise. Just lower the DB's like a reverse, wide angle LR from the top position. Re-press the Db's overhead again and repeat the lowering portion of the laterial raise. 8-10 reps of 2-3 cycles.
In either case, make sure the shoulder girdle is totally warmed up before doing any serious delt exercise. You can also do anyone of these exercises one arm at a time. Good Luck.