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Pistons continue road trip against Lakers

Nov 16, 2007 - 2:57 PM Detroit (6-2) at La Lakers (4-3) 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Despite an aging core of superstars, the Detroit Pistons appear to be poised to capture a fourth straight Central Division title.

The Pistons go for their fourth win in five games on Friday when they face the Los Angeles Lakers.

Detroit's nucleus of Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace are the only four players on the same team in the Eastern Conference averaging over 15 points a game.

The Pistons' combination of superstars has led them to the only winning record in the Central Division this season.

Detroit has won two of its first three contests on their current five-game road trip - including a 111-104 victory against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

The win came without Billups and Antonio McDyess, who missed the game with a twisted knee and sprained shoulder, respectively.

Both sets of x-rays came back negative, but it is uncertain if the duo will play on Friday.

Despite Kobe Bryant trade rumors which have circulated since last season, the Lakers are playing very well.

Bryant is averaging 28.6 points per game and the Lakers are a game above .500 despite playing just one team with a losing record.