After a competitive game through the first three quarters, the Lakers completely let go of the rope in the fourth quarter. Rightfully, they were blown out by the Pistons, losing 128-106.
After trailing by eight heading into the fourth, Detroit took full control of the sloppy Lakers, opening up a 20-point lead in the period. LA was outscored 74-44 in the paint and 65-34 in bench points.
The game began with teams trading the lead. Luka Dončić had five quick points and Deandre Ayton was close behind with four.
Tobia Harris was having a strong start for Detroit with seven. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia were doing the dirty work with a combined three assists and three steals.
At the 4:48 mark, the purple and gold were down by two.
Luka was the first Laker in double figures. LA was having a tough time defending Cade Cunningham, who had 10 points. Los Angeles did not end the quarter well, allowing Detroit to build its lead to six.
Cunningham scored four points to give the Pistons a double-digit lead early in the second period. Isaiah Stewart then pitched in with four points of his own. The Lakers had gone completely cold from the field.
LeBron James stopped some of the bleeding with a much-needed 3-pointer.
He and Luka started taking over the offense for LA, combining for 10 points. Los Angeles’s defense was failing them as the Pistons were shooting nearly 70% from the field.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s surge from behind the arc continued as he drained two in the quarter.
After the Lakers had gotten it to single digits, Detroit scored five points to push it back to double digits. LeBron and Luka then combined for six points to cut the deficit to five at halftime.
LA quickly made it a one-point game, scoring seven points early in the second half.
The Pistons responded with four consecutive points, but LA countered by tying the game. Detroit retook the lead as they constantly responded each time the Lakers made a run on the night.
The Pistons’ bench was destroying LA’s bench, outscoring them 43 to 19 and helping Detroit win the quarter. Jaxson Hayes was the third Laker in double figures with 11 points. Going into the fourth, Los Angeles was down by eight.
Jaden Ivey opened the final frame with a 3-pointer, pushing the lead to 11 for Detroit. Ayton picked up his fifth foul. The Lakers continued to struggle defensively, allowing Marcus Sasser to drain his third triple of the game, forcing a timeout with the purple and gold down 12.
Things went from bad to worse as the Pistons’ lead grew to 20. Los Angeles’ effort and energy were atrocious. The turnover count had reached 20 for LA as Detroit poured it on.
At the 4:09 mark, the Lakers waved the white flag and emptied their bench.
Key Player Stats
Luka Dončić led the way with 30 points. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished 11 dimes. LeBron James ended with 17 points and four assists. Jarred Vanderbilt had a strong game off the bench with eight points and eight rebounds.
Jake LaRavia ended with nine points, four rebounds and four steals. Marcus Smart had five assists and three steals. Jaxson Hayes pitched in with 13 points. Deandre Ayton scored 10 points.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at 7:30 PM PT.
You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.
