Anthony Davis had 38 points and 16 rebounds, Lonnie Walker added 17 points and the Los Angeles Lakers outscored the Detroit Pistons 128-121 on Friday night to win consecutive games for the second time this season.
LeBron James missed his third straight game with the Lakers because of injury, unable to return even after his team rested the last four days. Still, his teammates claimed Los Angeles’ fourth victory in a difficult season thanks to a second half catalyzed by Austin Reaves, who scored 11 of his 16 points after the break.
Russell Westbrook had 10 points and 12 assists for the Lakers, who had lost five straight before posting straight wins over Brooklyn and Detroit. After posting 37 points in the game against the Nets, Davis had his second productive game in James’ absence, even after going 18 of 21 from the free throw line.
Alec Burks scored 23 points and Bojan Bodganovic added 20 for the Pistons, who have lost six straight. Killian Hayes had 18 points as Detroit gave up straight games at Los Angeles to start a six-game road trip.
The Pistons, who have lost 14 of 16 games, played their fourth straight game without top pick Cade Cunningham, who suffered an injury.