The Lakers (20-10) will play their last game of 2025as they host the Detroit Pistons (24-8) on Tuesday. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Dec. 30
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: NBC, Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers responded very well after being called out by head coach JJ Redick, who said they would have an uncomfortable film session in practice. Not only did they defeat the Sacramento Kings in dominant fashion,
but they also snapped their three-game losing streak, all of which were blowouts. Sunday’s victory against the Kings was much-needed and now the goal is to avoid falling into a dry spell once again.
On Tuesday, the Lakers will face the top seed in the Eastern Conference in the Pistons. This one will reveal whether or not the purple and gold are truly out of their rut. With all due respect to the Kings, the Pistons are significantly better and they’re going to be eager to snap their own two-game losing streak as well. The Lakers should expect a tough challenge from a team that ranks eighth on offense and second on defense.
Detroit is also built to expose Los Angeles’ flaws, which popped out during their losing streak. They have Cade Cunningham — who is averaging 26.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game — leading their offense, which means the Lakers’ perimeter defense will be significantly tested.
The Pistons employ a big man in Jalen Duren who is anchoring their defense and contributing 18.2 points per game. Duren’s matchup versus Deandre Ayton is going to be something to look out for in this one. The Pistons play similarly to the Rockets, producing most of their scoring in the paint and dominating the boards. The Lakers will have to be ready, contrary to how they approached their Christmas Day game against the Rockets.
The Lakers will need Luka Dončić and LeBon James to set the tone again in this one. While the Pistons are statistically better than them in everything except offense, they’re not going to have an answer if both superstars go off in this one. The purple and gold should make their firepower known because that’s the ideal way to beat this fundamentally sound team. Hopefully, James and Dončić carry over their strong performances from the last game.
Los Angeles has the chance to wrap up the year with a decisive victory at home to put together a nice two-game winning streak heading into 2026. Ideally, they do just that so the vibes are good heading into the New Year, but it won’t be easy. It’s one that they’re going to have to work hard but the result should be rewarding.
Let’s see if the Lakers can close 2025 with a win against the Pistons on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
- The Lakers’ injury report notes Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness), Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain) as out.
- Meanwhile for the Pistons, Caris LeVert (left knee soreness) is doubtful.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
