Lakers Vs. Pistons: LA Loses Steam In Overtime, Pistons Win 88-85

The game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons was close throughout, and despite the Lakers building a seven-point lead at the end of three quarters, this hot one in Detroit came down to the last possession with overtime needed after the teams finished 78-78. Kobe Bryant hit the game-tying shot as time expired to send the game to OT, but the Pistons were able to prevail in the extra period winning 88-85.

Andrew Bynum and Rodney Stuckey had the hot hands for their respective teams tonight, with Stuckey finishing with 34 points, the almost game-winning three pointer, and the game-clinching free throws. Bynum's double-double with a team leading 30 points and 14 rebounds would have earned him player of the game honors, were it not for Stuckey's hot hand carrying the Pistons to victory.

The Lakers had the final possession, trailing by three. Kobe took a three from the corner on the inbounds play, which fell well short. Paul Gasol saved the ball from going out of bounds, kicking it to Metta World Peace who dribbled out behind the arc for the final shot which came close but not close enough.

Kobe Bryant shot less than 33 percent (8-26) from the field, not a great effort despite the timely shooting. Bryant's biggest contribution was his team-leading seven assists. Andrew Bynum was 13-18, but as is usual for the Lakers it was all Kobe with the game on the line.

For more on this game, be sure to check out Silver Screen and Roll.

Lakers Vs. Pistons: LA Trails At Halftime, Score 45-41

The story for the Los Angeles Lakers before the game was Kobe Bryant's new black mask. When Bryant switched back to the clear mask midway through the second quarter, and the Detroit Pistons roared back to take their first lead of the game with under three minutes to play in the half; focus switched back to just how many games the Lakers could take on this three game workweek road trip. The teams went into halftime with the Pistons winning 45-41.

Both teams were shooing equally well, with only a one percent differential in shooting percentage. Detroit shot much better from the free throw line, and slightly better from behind the arc which proved the difference. Andrew Bynum lead the Lakers with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Steve Blake led the Lakers with four rebounds. This included a nice lob to Andrew Bynum.

Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 12 points, and Greg Monroe had 9 rebounds. The Lakers finished the half -3 on rebounds.

There's not much game plan wise that the Lakers need to change. A better shooting effort from Kobe Bryant could be the difference, as the teams have played fairly even thus far.

For more on this game, check out Silver Screen and Roll.

Kobe Bryant Black Mask [PHOTO]

Lakers Vs.Pistons: Game Time, TV Info And More

The Los Angeles Lakers look for their fourth straight win on Tuesday night as they face the Detroit Pistons in the first game of a three-game road trip. Here are the relevant details of the rematch of the 1988, 1989, and 2004 NBA Finals.

Records: Lakers (24-13); Pistons (12-26)

Location: The Palace of Auburn Hills

Time: 4:30 p.m. PST

TV: KCAL, with Bill Macdonald and Stu Lantz on the call.

Offensive Efficiency: Lakers, 103.8 points per 100 possessions (14th in NBA); Pistons, 99.7 (26th)

Defensive Efficiency: Lakers, 100.9 (10th); Pistons, 107.4 (25th)

Home vs. Road: The Lakers are just 6-12 on the road this season but have three winnable road games on this trip in Detroit, Washington, and Minnesota. Detroit is 9-11 at home this year.

Series History: The Lakers have won five straight games against the Pistons, including sweeping each of the last two season series. This is their only meeting this season.

Scoring Spree: Kobe Bryant has scored at least 30 points in each of the last three games, all wins. On the season, Bryant leads the NBA in scoring at 28.9 points per contest, and he has had 30 or more points in 16 of the Lakers 37 games.

For more news and notes on Lakers basketball, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.

Lakers Vs. Pistons: L.A. Looks For Fourth Straight Win

The Lakers have beaten the Pistons five straight times.