Final
for this game
Struggling Lakers entertain Pistons at Staples Center
Jan 4, 2011 - 4:10 PM (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to feel the heat with four losses in their last six games. They'll try to regroup tonight versus the Detroit Pistons in the finale of a three-game homestand at Staples Center.The Lakers are coming off one of their more embarrassing losses, a 104-85 setback at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points, Pau Gasol ended with 10 and eight boards and Shannon Brown netted 11 points off the bench in defeat.
"We got out-worked," Lakers head coach Phil Jackson said. "That was a poor performance by us tonight both offensively and defensively. In every category we got outplayed."
Andrew Bynum provided nine points and a game-best 11 rebounds for the two-time defending champion Lakers, whose recent loss comes on the heels of a two-game winning streak over New Orleans and Philadelphia. The Lakers had 20 turnovers and were outscored, 21-6, to close out the third quarter.
Los Angeles is still a dominant 11-5 at home this season. Meanwhile, Bryant moved to within 14 points of Dominique Wilkins (26,668) for 10th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
Detroit hopes to salvage the finale of a three-game road trip tonight and put the brakes on a three-game road losing streak.
The Pistons fell to 0-2 on the road swing following Monday's 102-97 setback in Utah, as Tayshaun Prince netted a game-high 26 points in defeat. Tracy McGrady added 11 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds for Detroit, which has dropped four of five games and is just 3-15 away from The Palace this season.
"I thought he was outstanding," Pistons head coach John Kuester said of McGrady. "Thought he did a good job at controlling the pace of the game, making good decisions with the basketball."
Richard Hamilton added 15 points off the bench for the Pistons.
The Lakers and Pistons will renew their rivalry after LA posted a 103-90 triumph back on Nov. 17 this season at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Bryant scored 33 points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out four assists in that one, leading the Lakers to their fourth straight win in the series.
Detroit has dropped nine of its last 12 contests at the Lakers.
- DETROIT: 83
LOS ANGELES: 108
Final
Jan 5 12:52 AM - DETROIT: 59
LOS ANGELES: 76
End of 3rd
Jan 5 12:23 AM - DETROIT: 42
LOS ANGELES: 45
Halftime
Jan 4 11:40 PM - DETROIT: 19
LOS ANGELES: 24
End of 1st
Jan 4 11:08 PM
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