Overview
- Detroit poured in 74 points in the paint and turned 21 Lakers giveaways into 30 points, adding a 31-12 fast-break edge in a decisive fourth quarter.
- Luka Dončić posted 30 points and 11 assists but committed eight turnovers, while LeBron James had 17 points as a tie late in the third gave way to a blowout.
- Coach JJ Redick and Dončić said officials allowed a more physical game and urged L.A. to match it, though fouls were nearly even at 26-24 with free throws 31-29 for L.A.
- Los Angeles has dropped four of five to fall to 20-11, with a defensive rating ranked 26th this season and the second-worst mark over the past 15 games.
- Austin Reaves (calf), Rui Hachimura (calf) and Gabe Vincent (back) remain out as rotation instability persists, with two home games against the Grizzlies and a Pelicans date up next.