The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons 125-111 with LeBron James scoring 25 points and Anthony Davis adding 20 points and 14 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell contributed 21 points, including four 3-pointers. The Lakers have won five of their last six games and are now 29-26, three games above .500 for the first time since before Christmas. The new Lakers starting lineup, with Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, combined for 96 points, showing trust and teamwork. Davis praised the team’s chemistry and shot-making, leading to enjoyable games and good wins.
In a standout defensive performance, Anthony Davis blocked six shots, including a notable stop against Jaden Ivey during a Pistons fast break in the third quarter. LeBron James praised Davis post-game, dubbing him “the defensive player of the year,” a title Davis has yet to claim despite feeling deserving of it in the past. Davis expressed his focus on winning and maintaining a defensive presence.
Before the game, the Lakers enjoyed a rare three-day break and seized an early 24-point lead in their last home game before the All-Star break, which James will attend for the 20th time. James announced he wouldn’t play in the Lakers’ upcoming game against Utah, their last before the break.
Spencer Dinwiddie made his Lakers debut, contributing six points and seven assists. Signed by the Lakers on Saturday, the Los Angeles native and former Taft High School standout is expected to provide scoring and playmaking off the bench.
For the Pistons, Ausar Thompson scored 19 points and James Wiseman tallied 18 points and nine rebounds. The Pistons had won two of their previous three games, a rare feat for them this season. Team owner Tom Gores, residing in Beverly Hills, watched from courtside.