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.