Skip to playerSkip to main content
closejfz936
  • 2 days ago
Transcript
00:01Welcome back to check out the starting lineup for tonight.
00:03Lakers Pistons.
00:05No Marcus Smart, no Rui Hachimor.
00:06So you got Luka Doncic, Austin Reed, Jake LaRavia getting the start.
00:09LBJ DeAndre Ayton.
00:10As for the Pistons, no Cade Cunningham, no beef stew.
00:13They're going with Jenkins, Robinson, Asar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren.
00:18What can this do?
00:19Big game for Jake LaRavia being inserted back in that starting lineup.
00:23You know, there's no surprise anymore.
00:25Jake LaRavia is a good player.
00:27You know, he's known to be a pretty good player.
00:29On both ends.
00:30I think as he's progressed and he has more duties, I think he's been thinking a lot.
00:36He's been thinking a little bit too much.
00:37And I think it happens.
00:39It happens to everybody.
00:40But his effort is still there.
00:42And I think the effort to get him through that, I'd like to see him be more aggressive when he
00:46gets in the threat area sometimes.
00:48Sometimes I see him guessing a little bit too much.
00:50But that's just the nature of trying to, you know, fit in.
00:53I love his effort.
00:54And I think tonight with players out, it'll be a good night for him.
00:58So, yep, he's the Iron Man, right?
00:59He's played all 71 games.
01:01And you're going to have ups and downs.
01:03And, you know, as late we've seen him, we say the yips.
01:06But he's had some moments where he looked like he's, like Big Game said, overthinking.
01:10So all it takes is one good game to build that confidence back up and just to play free and
01:14not think about it.
01:15And I think tonight is an opportunity for him to kind of, you know, get over that mental, you know,
01:22hurdle.
01:22You mentioned playing in all 71 games.
01:24He is the only Laker to have played in every game so far this season.
01:28The Pistons with the best record in the East.
01:31And the Lakers are on a seven-game winning streak against above 500 teams.
01:35Both the offense and defense much improved in that span, outscoring those tough teams by over seven points a game.
01:42This one, the game is just another great test this late in the season against a tough team.
01:48Yeah, a good team.
01:50Yep.
01:51For real, a good team.
01:52But in addition to that, it's the last game of the road trip.
01:55It's so easy to chill and take it easy and, you know, you've had some success.
02:01Oh, we've got one more game.
02:02I'm sorry.
02:03We've got one more game after this.
02:04On the road trip, yeah.
02:05It's not the last game.
02:05Indy, yep.
02:06Anyway, it's next to the last game.
02:09They've had success and, you know, it's easy to, like, you know, have players out like Marcus Smarts out, Rui
02:16out.
02:16It's easy to kind of, like, not give in but not put your best out first.
02:21It's important for them to do so.
02:23Thanks for that correction, man.
02:24Yeah, you can't get fat and happy.
02:25And I think that's the biggest thing that he's saying.
02:27Can't get what?
02:28Fat and happy.
02:28Fat and happy?
02:29That's hilarious.
02:30I've never heard that.
02:30Can't get fat and happy.
02:32Well, you got a big meal early on.
02:33So they win the first four games, you get fat and happy, satisfied.
02:36I love that.
02:37You got to, you know, keep the foot on the gas and not be satisfied.
02:40It's easy to get fat and happy when you win your first four games on the road trip.
02:44This is a test, especially against a team above 500, even though they're missing Cade.
02:48This is still a really good group.
02:50So don't be satisfied.
02:51Get greedy and finish out the road trip in a strong way.
02:54We have to talk about how the NBA is certainly just involved, and a lot of that being the
02:57style of play.
02:58But the style that the Detroit Pistons have, again, they were called the bad boys.
03:02Now this team in 2026 is calling themselves the nasty boys.
03:07But there's still that physicality and style that you have to be willing to meet.
03:11Yeah, once you have a style of play and you're consistent with it, it doesn't really matter.
03:16You know, it does matter when you're missing key players, but that style is still present.
03:21And without Cunningham and, you know, players missing, you depend on that.
03:27You depend on that bad boy, national boy, whatever you want to call him.
03:31And that's what they'll be bringing tonight against the Lakers.
03:34So you've got to be ready for that.
03:36I think the biggest, even though Cade does hurt, I think beef stew being out is a really
03:40big blow because that's a big part of their identity.
03:43Yeah.
03:43That grit and grind, and that's what they kind of bring to the table.
03:46And I expect him to be very gritty tonight.
03:48I know he's one of those guys that brings a lot of it, but they have other guys too.
03:51So you see Dennis Jenkins, you see S.O.R. Thompson.
03:53Like, those guys will come and bring the heat tonight.
03:56You see Javante Green over there.
03:58Like, they'll have a chance, an opportunity to come in and showcase, you know, what they
04:03can bring to the table.
04:04You also saw Jalen Duren right there.
04:05The matchup with DeAndre Ayton, who has certainly reinvigorated himself with taking a look in
04:11the mirror, as he mentioned.
04:13Obviously, you don't need him to go out and score and be the leading scorer, but the contributions
04:16and the impact, he has to win that matchup or come close to it, neutralize it.
04:20He's got to try to take advantage of it.
04:21And by doing so, whether he tries to get him in foul trouble, he's got to be physical in the
04:25paint when he's, you know, being defended.
04:28And, you know, try to take advantage of defending, altering shots, not allowing things to get
04:34easy in the paint.
04:36And that's his responsibility tonight.
04:38Just match his energy.
04:39You know, make sure you run the floor with him.
04:41You're not going to outscore him, but match his energy.
04:43And you never know, down the stretch, like we've seen DeAndre Ayton do before against
04:46Houston, like big key plays in baskets.
04:48Do it for the full 48 minutes or the tenure that you're in the game, and you'll have a chance
04:52to maybe outlast him because, you know, they're going to be looking at him a lot early on.
04:55But make sure you use a play hard defense, like big game said, and just continue to stay
04:59the course and not deter or let anything get you down in the process and make sure you're
05:04still mentally there for the fourth quarter.
05:07If there's ever a time to listen to the reminder you had to give yourself over the last couple
05:10of weeks, you're here to be that effort guy.
05:12Tonight's that time.
05:13Exactly.
05:13Take your shot.
05:14It's brought to you by Mercury Insurance.
05:16You each are going to pick a Laker that you think will impact this game.
05:18And tell us how, big game, you're rolling with the bucket getter.
05:22And Luke Kennard.
05:23I like Danny.
05:24I was going to choose Jake, but I, you know, very rare that I choose a guy from Duke too.
05:28But I do like his arrival.
05:32I do love his arrival here in so many ways because he's a sharpshooter that demands a stay
05:37at home.
05:38I like when he moves without the basketball as well.
05:42And, you know, he's just been a great addition shooting the clip at, what, 44% now?
05:48Yeah.
05:48Keep it up.
05:50Danny, you're rolling with DeAndre Ayton.
05:52Yeah, speaking of the devil, right?
05:53We were just talking about him.
05:54His energy is going to be a big key tonight.
05:56And matching that with Jalen Dern, rebounding the ball, doing the little things, the blue
06:00collar work, and could be an X factor in late in the stretch, right?
06:04He's been that guy to make a big play, whether it's a pass, rebound, or put back, right hook,
06:09or a little mid-range jumper.
06:11You know, I feel like he's figured something out and where he's not thinking about it too
06:14much and worried about numbers.
06:15He's just going out and playing and doing what's best for the team to win.
06:19So.
06:19Allie, give us the X factor.
06:21Yeah, see what you got.
06:21The X factor.
06:23Apparently, I got a special font down there and it says, Allie can't be bothered to pick
06:26anyone else.
06:27Just like the king can't be bothered by anything that you have to say about his golf game.
06:31All right?
06:32Yeah.
06:32That's what happens to us Ohioans.
06:33We do what we want, what we want, how we want.
06:35If we want to get fat and happy, we'll get fat and happy, Danny.
06:37There you go.
06:37Billy Mack, Stu Lance has a call.
06:39Take it away, my friend.
06:40Let's go, Billy Mack.
06:41All right, Allie, thank you.
06:43Let's go Detroit basketball.
06:46That's where we are.
06:47Little Caesars Arena tonight.
06:49Spectrum Sportsnet proudly presents, as always, the NBA.
06:53Tonight, Lakers taking on the Pistons.
06:56But before we move forward, let's look back at an unreal ending in Orlando.
07:02Marcus Smart looking.
07:05Canard to win the game.
07:07Yes!
07:07Yes!
07:08Yes!
07:09Yes!
07:11Luke Canard!
07:12Luke Canard!
07:13Luke Canard wins it for the Lakers!
07:16Welcome to the Lakers show, Luke Canard.
07:21So much fun for everybody.
07:22I know you Laker fans know exactly what I'm talking about.
07:25So here we are tonight, looking to keep this thing rolling to ten wins in a row.
07:29Yeah, what an ending in the last game to keep it rolling.
07:32So now they've got a tour ahead of them, and that's the Detroit Pistons who are playing some really good
07:37basketball.
07:38So we'll see if they can continue their winning streak.
07:41And if they do so, they're going to have to do it with, again, Western Conference Player of the Week.
07:46I was going to say, God just continues to marvel.
07:49I mean, he is unbelievable.
07:51I mean, his last nine games, not last two or three, nine, he's averaged 40.
07:58What else has he done?
07:59Eight boards, seven assists, and a major factor in the way the Lakers are playing and the way the Lakers
08:05are winning right now.
08:07But he's not alone.
08:08His running mate, LeBron James, continues to marvel.
08:11I mean, just doing things that we just don't expect out of a guy who is 41, averaging 24, against
08:19the Pistons in his career.
08:20And he's played on a ton of times, and I'm looking for him to have the same kind of output
08:25tonight.
08:26And then the last of the trio, Austin Reed, really rounding into that pre-Christmas form before the calf injury.
08:33He's averaging his last eight games, 23 points, and hitting the grass through getting five boards.
08:39That's good out of your backcourt.
08:40What a special year for Detroit.
08:42They've been in first for most of the year.
08:44They're going to have to do without Cade Cunningham, though, the foreseeable future with that collapsed lung.
08:49But the big fella, Jalen Duren, has really played exceptional basketball.
08:53Well, you talk about improved players in this way, and you've got to include this young man in the conversation.
08:59I mean, he is really playing with a lot of confidence, and the results are showing that.
09:04The average is 19 on the year, 11 boards, and he's just constant motion.
09:08You've got to make sure you find him at all times because he will hit the offensive glass.
09:13And then there's Tobias Harris.
09:15We've been saying Tobias Harris' name for a long time.
09:18He played against the Lakers 28 times, and he's had some success after about 17, so he's going to be
09:24their second output tonight.
09:26See if they can shut that down.
09:28Let's go.
09:30Luke.
09:30Big shot Luke.
09:32And the Lakers take on the Pistons when we come back right after this.
09:39Ball's being brought to you by Carl's Jr.
09:42Carl's Jr.'s new Western Bacon Chicken Sandwich with freshly hand-breaded all-white meat and just $5.99 for a
09:51limited time.
09:53By the way, Southern California, it snowed today here in Detroit.
09:57Just let that sink in for a couple of moments.
10:00Here's the Laker lineup for tonight.
10:02No Marcus Smart.
10:03That means Jake LaRavia moves in more on that in depth with Mike in a matter of moments.
10:09And for Detroit, their MVP candidate, Cade Cunningham, will be out for, as I mentioned, the foreseeable future.
10:17We wish him well.
10:18They are 8-2, however.
10:20Without him, Duncan Robinson has really been well-traveled.
10:24He can shoot that three.
10:26Alexis, keys to the game and students.
10:27Well, keys to the game tonight.
10:28This is a very physical team they're going to be playing.
10:30So, rebounding is at the top of the list.
10:33And then that center matchup, we talked about during.
10:36So, it's going to be an interesting matchup between him and Aiton.
10:39And then ball security.
10:40I talked about the physicality.
10:42This Detroit team, they get after you defensively.
10:47Mike is courtside.
10:49There you are, Mike.
10:49You know, Jake LaRavia has played his best ball this year when he's been in the starting lineup.
10:54Yeah, Billy, and they're going to need him, too, again tonight.
10:56Because if you look at the plus-minus on the season, Marcus Smart, by far, the Lakers' leader.
11:02J.J. Redick called him the best defensive player on the team.
11:06And Smart certainly has acquitted himself like that.
11:08He's plus 238.
11:10And that's way ahead of even Austin Reeves and Luka Doncic at around 160.
11:14So, one thing that helps, though, if you don't have that defense and everything else that Smart brings,
11:18it helps when you have a Luka Doncic and LeBron James and Austin Reeves in the kind of rhythm that
11:23they've been on on this trip.
11:24And we could even single out Luka specifically.
11:27A second straight Western Conference Player of the Week.
11:30Honor for him.
11:31Averaging 40 points through four wins in the last week.
11:34And so, yes, they're going to miss Smart.
11:35LaRavia can fill in some things with his energy and defense.
11:38But having Luka get 40 every night is certainly a good place to start to lift your floor.
11:42I'll tell you what.
11:44Thank you, Mike.
11:45I've never seen LeBron aim at a person like he did with you tonight with the chalk line.
11:52Yeah, I look real good right now.
11:55Real good, real good.
11:56And with that news, we are courtside here in Detroit.
12:00Settle in and enjoy with us.
12:02Looking for 10 wins in a row.
12:05It would be 13 out of 14.
12:07What a three weeks it's been, Stu.
12:09It's been fun.
12:10It's been a lot of fun watching his team do what they've been doing and see if it can continue
12:14for a while.
12:15Again, this game and then in Indianapolis, two nights from now before the Lakers return home.
12:21They're trying to sweep a road trip for the first time in, oh, about 16, 17 years of this size.
12:28Six games.
12:29Here is Luka on the outside.
12:32Did not shoot it well in the second half the other night.
12:35And his first effort, though, is off target.
12:37There's Aiden doing work.
12:39He had four offensive rebounds, two in the win.
12:42Dodgers all the way.
12:43He's underneath.
12:43He puts it up.
12:44And Luka starts the scoring.
12:47Way to start the game with a second chance opportunity.
12:49Thank you, DeAndre Aiden.
12:52Stu mentioned it right out of the gate.
12:54This is a very good, not only defensive team, but rebounding team.
12:59They lose a lot of offense with Cade out of the lineup.
13:02Durham's going to get a ton of touches.
13:04So will that guy, Tobias Harris.
13:06Boy, two players are down and the Lakers come up with it and a bit of a late whistle.
13:12Yeah, they called the foul on Thompson, I believe.
13:15But like you said, two players went down and the late whistle.
13:19Again, they have won nine in a row, J.J.'s team, for the first time since 2019-20.
13:27Ooh, the ball rolls out of bounds.
13:29The officials tonight, John Goebel, Natalie Sago, and Scott Tordoski.
13:33Well, Thompson close to a steal on an inbounds play, but he kicked it out of bounds.
13:38Look at the defensive pressure.
13:39Full court.
13:40And, I mean, they're all over the Lakers.
13:42Oh, and by the way, if you didn't here, I assume most of you did.
13:45But if you didn't and you're wondering, what's Luka doing on the floor after picking up technical number 16 the
13:52other night?
13:52It was rescinded after they took a look at it, what those two, Gogo Batazi and he were saying to
13:58each other.
13:58They said, all right, we're just going to wipe that slate clean.
14:01And here he is, so he's still on the limit right now.
14:05Yeah, he can't afford any more.
14:09There's J.B., 8-2 without Cade.
14:13But those numbers are a little skewed because the schedule during those 10 has been against some of the weaker
14:19opponents in the NBA.
14:22Reeves, that one clanks off the rim, and it's going to be taken now by Tobias Harris as a game
14:27winner against the Lakers in his career.
14:30He seems like he's been around forever still.
14:32Yeah, he was looking with Philly at that time, I believe.
14:35The bounce underneath, no Laker defense at the rim.
14:39And it's Asar Thompson, who's an elite defender.
14:43He scores on the assist from Robinson.
14:46And so he's his brother.
14:47Yeah, right.
14:49Second in the NBA in deflections for the Twins.
14:52Thompson underneath, off the back iron, taken out by Tobias Harris.
14:56This team has won 51 games and 26-8 here at home.
15:02Little Caesars has been friendly to them.
15:05Duncan Robinson, good play, good read.
15:08Aiden knocks it free.
15:09LeBron into the front court.
15:11LeBron stops, looks.
15:12He's going to give it now to Luka, a long three, got it!
15:17Luka's got his first triple of the night.
15:19When you talk about a controlled transition game that time, LeBron totally under control,
15:24and ends up with a wide open look for Luka.
15:2616 first quarter points in Orlando, the beat goes on for him.
15:30We'll see if he can do the same here tonight.
15:33Corner, boy.
15:34Harris thought he had that one.
15:36He was already headed down the other way.
15:39Luka, the Lakers, 5-2.
15:40We are early.
15:41We're just getting going here in Detroit.
15:44Knocked away by Harris.
15:46Luka collects, whips that pass into the corner to LeRavia, who's been in a cheating slum.
15:51Reeves, that barely hit the rim.
15:53And Tobias Harris comes up with it.
15:55Now to Jenkins.
15:57Yes, Jenkins on it.
15:59Oh, blows the layup!
16:00He made it a tougher shot out of it.
16:02All he had to do was lay it up with his right aim.
16:04Luka looking for more.
16:06That's going to go out of bounds.
16:09That's a team rebound.
16:11The Lakers wanted to get a lot of this, and that's DeAndre Ayton protecting the rim.
16:16They tried to throw the lob, and he swatched it away, and that led to Luka knocking down his first
16:21triple.
16:21Lakers defensive rating 19th in the league.
16:25Detroit, they are second.
16:28Offensive rated.
16:29Detroit 9th.
16:30And the Lakers 8th.
16:32So very similar.
16:32Another lob underneath.
16:34Count it!
16:36Duran!
16:37I don't know if it was the foul before.
16:39I think he was being held before.
16:42Shouldn't be a basket there.
16:43Are they going to wave it?
16:44They should.
16:45I think after the screen here, he gets held by LaRavia.
16:50So they wiped the basket away and take it out on the sideline.
16:54Everybody on the Pistons thought that was good.
16:57And of course, the thousands here in the arena, although there's plenty of Laker fans, as always, wherever we go.
17:05Jenkins now down low to Duran.
17:07He lays it up.
17:08He can't finish that one, but he'll get two free throws.
17:11Because Jake was a little overmatched right there.
17:13Yeah, well, the Lakers switch everything.
17:15And that time they got Duran on Jake.
17:17And Duran did a good job of sealing him and ends up at the free throw line.
17:21I know Jake's a little frustrated right now.
17:23Finally gets an opportunity and he's got two quick fouls.
17:26How about this right now from BMW?
17:30They built these roads as if they knew we were coming.
17:34BMW, the ultimate driving machine.
17:41Duran, a 73% free throw shooter.
17:44Average is just shy of 20 points a game.
17:47He had a streak of 20 and 10 games just snapped the other night.
17:51Their last game was a 115-101 win over Golden State.
17:55Stu, they forced 26 Warrior turnovers that turned into 32 points.
18:01Yeah, I mean, they could get after you defensively.
18:03That's one of the things that makes them such a good basketball team.
18:07Dodge is wide open.
18:08Oh, boy, they left, but they left Luka just for an instant.
18:11So he was wide open for that one.
18:13Duran will bring it into the front court.
18:16Detroit just getting set up.
18:18Jenkins again.
18:19He switch play.
18:20He's very, yeah.
18:21Here's a rise by Thompson.
18:23Can't hit.
18:24We've got to push in a foul underneath on the Lakers.
18:26To the Luka.
18:33It's caught.
18:35It's getting screened out.
18:35And then two-hand push into the bat.
18:38Tobias Harris, recipient of the foul call.
18:42Luka, back-to-back player of the week awards.
18:44And, of course, a 60-point effort will do that for you.
18:48When he was down in Miami with room to operate as Tobias Harris, he can't hit.
18:54So Detroit comes out just one for seven with some speed.
19:00LeBron now Reeves steps into the three.
19:03Barely grazed the rim.
19:05So the Lakers aren't much better.
19:07They're two for ten.
19:08Support shooting on both ends so far in the contest.
19:11That time, Jenkins goes, I'm going to rise and just drop it in.
19:15That's a little easier.
19:16You see more and more off-the-ball players in this league now diving when one of their teammates makes
19:22a move to the basket.
19:23That's what's going to keep the defense a little bit more honest.
19:25And, obviously, without Cade around, Jenkins will have plenty of time on the floor.
19:31LaRavia set fire.
19:33Can't get it, boy.
19:34I'll tell you what.
19:34Can't buy one, Jake, these days.
19:38Three for his last 20 now in the month of March.
19:42Again, that's going to be an offensive foul.
19:44Yeah, Duren ran right over Luka.
19:46You know, the Lakers have three of the top ten in taking charges in the whole league, and Luka's one
19:51of them.
19:51To go along with Marcus Smart and Austin Reeves.
19:54He rose to the basket, and he's questioning the call.
19:57But it looked like a very good call by the officials.
20:03Yeah, Luka's been having some pretty good numbers, stealing the basketball, too.
20:08So defensive numbers are on the rise for him.
20:12Aiton, they play a little keep away.
20:14Here's LeBron midrange.
20:16And Duren controls.
20:17Both teams are like the weather.
20:20Poor, cold.
20:24There's Jenkins.
20:28Oh, here's Reeves all by himself.
20:30Duncan Robinson will not be able to chase him down.
20:34I think poor is applicable, too.
20:37He's going to say.
20:39They were both draining him.
20:40I was going to say there's a lot of fresh snow because there was this afternoon.
20:43Out of nowhere, actually.
20:45Here is Harris all the way.
20:47That would have counted, and he's going to shoot two free throws.
20:50Well, we got our first time out of the ballgame.
20:52Just about halfway through the first quarter.
20:55There's the Lakers and the Pistons in a good one.
20:58Athletes in the entire world.
21:01LeBron James, a young fan.
21:04That's his guy playing here tonight.
21:07Hey, it's time to lock in.
21:09Presented by PrizePix.
21:10Let's check out some of tonight's squares.
21:12For the Pistons, Tobias with a more or less of five rebounds.
21:16And the King with a more or less of 18.5 points.
21:20Get in on the action on the PrizePix app.
21:22Now available in California.
21:27Coming in now for the Lakers will be the hero from the other night.
21:31The buzzer beater.
21:33Cool hand Luke Kennard.
21:35There he is.
21:37By the way, the team and the coaches got together for a golf match before we left Orlando.
21:42And the players stomped all over the coaches.
21:45If you heard Mike and his interview with Luke before the game, he got a lot of details.
21:50But as the coaches were saying, after that game winner, he was really feeling himself.
21:55And his golf game was elevated about four levels.
21:58And it was one of the reasons why the players swept right through the coaches.
22:02Wasn't he on the same team as Austin?
22:04As Austin.
22:04Well, there's a scramble.
22:06It's a scramble format.
22:09How to Tranquilo, the golf course in Orlando.
22:13All right, here's Tobias Harris.
22:14Maybe Luke can come in and get the Lakers shooting back to normal here.
22:18They made me three out of 13 shots.
22:20Yeah, he's looking for his third crown in five seasons is Kennard for the three-point percentage champion in the
22:28NBA.
22:29All right, we're not quite halfway through here in the first quarter.
22:32Low scoring, of course, because all the shooting woes for these two teams.
22:36Both either 25% or under right now.
22:39Luka in deep, though, doing damage.
22:41Best first quarter score in the NBA.
22:44How about best score in the NBA for an entire game?
22:48That time off the ball, a little cross screen down low.
22:51And he was wide open.
22:52He's got seven already.
22:55What a tone setter.
22:56On the outside, nothing but net.
22:58Boy, Tobias, second stint here in Detroit.
23:02Quick catch and shoot.
23:03Hard to recover if you're watching him.
23:0615 years, 33 years of age, went to school at Tennessee for a season.
23:12Now LeBron, these are two widely veterans going at each other.
23:16LeBron backing in, back in.
23:18And Tobias reached in and gets called for the foul, his second.
23:25Let a Harris go.
23:26I saw on that island against LeBron.
23:28LeBron drops steps and tries to go up and gets hit across the arm and earns two free throws.
23:33They're going to check.
23:34They're challenging this.
23:35So we have our first challenge of the evening with 537.
23:41Still to play here in the first quarter, as Tobias letting one of the officials have an earful.
23:48Timeout Detroit.
23:50Coach's challenge.
23:51The view.
23:52Harris makes contact with James' hand while in contact with the ball.
23:56There's contact with being marginal.
23:58Therefore, the on-court ruling has been overturned to a no-call.
24:02The result of the play, with the ball's last touch by James, probably going out of bounds.
24:07Therefore, it will be Detroit's basketball.
24:09The challenge is successful.
24:12Well, you heard it straight from the official.
24:16I think you were leaning the other way when we first saw it.
24:19But obviously, this definitely goes against the Lakers,
24:22which means Detroit will also be able to challenge later on in the game.
24:27All right.
24:28Five and a half to go here in the first.
24:31Pistons.
24:32Four and a half up on Boston starting tonight.
24:36And again, we got less than three weeks to go in the season.
24:40This is one of ten games in the NBA.
24:43Out of the lid lifters starting things off.
24:45Toxins underneath.
24:47Boy, he was up above the rim, but it's knocked around.
24:49Lakers looking for transition.
24:51Dodge, it's good pass underneath to LeBron.
24:53He's in deep.
24:54Now he is out of the key.
24:55So here's that tactic.
24:56They fall away at the baseline.
24:58And Jenkins has control of its smallest guy on the floor.
25:02Quickest two.
25:03Yeah.
25:04You know, he's listed at 6-3.
25:05He doesn't look that big.
25:06That's because of all the big guys around.
25:08Oh, two-piston players collide with each other.
25:11Lakers have a five-on-three.
25:13And they take advantage of it with the big fella throwing it down.
25:17Yeah, the two-pistons collided with one another.
25:20Little friendly fire there.
25:21The Lakers had a big-time advantage.
25:24Taking full advantage.
25:25Four dimes for LeBron to start the game.
25:28Again, his whole game is sort of restructured itself.
25:32Just wants to do whatever they can to get a win.
25:35And it's working, obviously.
25:37Offensive rebound underneath and a score.
25:39Yeah, that was just a mis-timed jump that time by eight.
25:41And he was trying to fight off two defenders.
25:44And this time just jumped.
25:46We're going to have a Vanderbilt siding in a moment.
25:49We figured that might happen with Rui out of the lineup tonight.
25:52He's also nursing an injury along with Marcus Smart.
25:55Duncan Robinson, look out here.
25:57But it's too long.
25:59Weekside rebound.
26:00Down the middle goes Harris to score.
26:03LeBron kind of jammed the finger on that play.
26:06He's still on the other end.
26:08It seems like he's going to be able to continue on.
26:11Luka trying to go around Thompson.
26:13Luka down the middle.
26:14He goes.
26:14Luka all the way.
26:15Put it up too strong.
26:17Aiden doing work, baby.
26:19That's his fifth rebound already.
26:21Well, he is active on the glass.
26:24Twenty-nine offensive boards coming into this game since March the 8th.
26:30Got a nose for us.
26:32Jenkins underneath.
26:33Oh, good hands by Austin.
26:35As he's taking it up off the dribble and it went right off the leg of Jenkins.
26:41Another look at the defensive play.
26:43Moving his feet good and then watching the basketball.
26:46Kicks it right out of bounds.
26:47Turnover Pistons.
26:49Jenkins received his 11th start tonight.
26:53He's out of St. John's.
26:55Went undrafted.
26:56Two of their starters, Duncan Robinson, and he went undrafted.
27:00I believe Sasser's in the game.
27:06That's LeBron and Reed.
27:08LeBron and Reed are in the game for Detroit.
27:11And they are looking at LeBron.
27:13He hit that finger jammed on that pass on to the mid-post area.
27:18He immediately grabbed for it.
27:21First of all, trainer Mike.
27:22Luka just gets fouled in the act of shooting a triple.
27:25So he'll be at the line for a few minutes.
27:31Led the team in scoring 16 of the last 17 and 49 times this year.
27:38All right.
27:38It just feels different at Crypto.com Arena, doesn't it?
27:40Don't miss your opportunity to catch the Lake Show.
27:43The best place to get 100% verified game tickets all season long is Lakers Ticket Exchange.
27:48It's the official resale marketplace of your Lakers.
27:51Lock in your seats.
27:52You can do it right now at Lakers.com slash Ticket Exchange.
27:55Hope to see you out there.
27:57Three-game homestand after we get off the road starting Friday against Brooklyn.
28:02We'll also see the Wizards and the Cavs.
28:08Pistons bringing in two more players.
28:11So they've got only, what, one starter on the floor right now?
28:15Ronald Holland, the second.
28:18He wears number five.
28:23And Kevin Herter's in the game.
28:25So Kevin, who's been out with a shoulder injury, red velvet.
28:30He comes in wearing number 27, and you know he's a shooter.
28:34So they've got a little bit of reinforcements here tonight with Herter.
28:39Jenkins.
28:42Reed.
28:43And there's Herter, oh, that's good movement.
28:45How about that two-man game?
28:47How about that two-man game?
28:48Pretty.
28:49Yeah, it kind of caught the Lakers out of position.
28:52It didn't rotate at all to stop.
28:55Good dribble drive.
28:56We are tied at 16.
28:57Fourth time we've been tied.
28:58We've had six lead changes already.
29:01And a foul way out on the perimeter.
29:06Biggest lead for either team has been three to open up action.
29:17Each team now with four team fouls.
29:19So we'll have no more side outs.
29:22Everybody will be going to the free throw line after this.
29:25Reeves will bring it in.
29:26Finds Luka.
29:27The Don out by the logo.
29:29See if they blitz in.
29:31They switch off.
29:33Dodgers over Holland.
29:36Over Holland.
29:37Didn't make a difference, did it?
29:39He generally doesn't matter who's in front of him.
29:41Got 13 points just like that.
29:43Just like that.
29:45He's got 13 of the 19.
29:48Holland just got scored upon.
29:50On the shot that went over.
29:51With defense by Jack.
29:52Yeah.
29:53And take it by Kennard.
29:57John Chichapoy collectively the Lakers have played such better defense.
30:00I mean we're talking about this three week stretch.
30:03And again really playing for each other and helping it out.
30:06Here's Reeves.
30:07Little ball take.
30:08You weren't really buying it.
30:09Now he leaves in.
30:10Tough shot.
30:11Didn't get a whistle.
30:12Yet Duren made him really alter that one.
30:14At the other end.
30:15Herter goes up and over Reeves.
30:18To slam it home.
30:21Good outlet pass.
30:23And Herter was pretty much all by himself.
30:26Again as we mentioned Vanderbilt is in.
30:28He hasn't seen much action.
30:30Seven DNPs, coaches' decisions in the month of March alone.
30:35But he's got action right here.
30:37Luka.
30:38Three more free throws.
30:42Tell you what.
30:43Does Bickerstaff dare if he thinks it's not a foul?
30:45Challenge again and waste all his challenges in the first quarter?
30:49I mean that would be a decision if he thinks it's not a foul.
30:53Well one of the things you have to give up a lot is fouls like they have been committing.
30:59You're going to be that aggressive as a defensive team.
31:04Well that's what J.B.'s weighing right now.
31:08Do I challenge it and maybe win but I don't have one for the rest of the game?
31:13And I'm sure they're saying ball don't lie right now because Luka missed the first free throw.
31:18And Luka has two more coming.
31:29He has 30 field goal attempts in back-to-back games.
31:34I mention that because it's the first time in his career he's shot with such volume in back-to-back
31:40efforts.
31:43Of course he became the seventh Laker player in franchise history to score 60.
31:50Also top three in NBA assists.
31:56He makes two out of the three and the Lakers take a three-point lead.
32:00And we're under two minutes to play here in the quarter.
32:0321-18.
32:04Lakers looking for their 47th win of the year.
32:07It's their high watermark right now.
32:0921 games over 500.
32:11Bounce baseline away but I'll tell you what Jackson Hayes came over to make a good play and then they
32:17just dragged him down.
32:18There it is again though.
32:20You got to know when to be super aggressive and when not.
32:24Jackson Hayes has the ball but yet they're all over him so much so though that they push him out
32:29of bounds and send him to the free throw line for two.
32:34How about Ronald Holland?
32:36He's played officially two minutes and he has three fouls.
32:42Oops.
32:44He just now found out that it's on him.
32:46He's a little me.
32:48And he's 0 for 2 from the floor.
32:50It's called a very difficult start to the game.
32:53Jax knocks it down.
32:59For Hayes, last two games combined 14 points, a dozen rebounds, five blocks.
33:05Remember how big those blocks were last game, Stu?
33:08He's the last line of defense, he and DeAndre Aiton.
33:13He's got two out of his big.
33:15These two teams met earlier this year in Detroit.
33:18Had a huge fourth quarter and beat the Lakers 128-106 back on December the 30th.
33:23Good hustle by Jackson Hayes there.
33:26Created an opportunity for the Lakers to get another possession.
33:29And I mentioned that because Jax made all five of his shots in that first meeting.
33:33Four of them were dunks.
33:37He had a 13-point effort there.
33:39Jake is in there.
33:40Kennard.
33:42Green is in for Detroit.
33:44Gotich wanders now to the right-hand side.
33:47Taken by Jake.
33:48LaRavia.
33:49Hayes is in the lane.
33:50Clock is an issue.
33:52Kennard right where he won the game the other night.
33:54Not an issue for Luke Kennard.
33:56Just get me the ball.
33:58I'll take care of the rest.
33:59Second-best all-time in percentage.
34:02Three-point shooting.
34:04Second to Steve Kerr.
34:05The current coach, of course, at Golden State.
34:09Jenkins knocks one through for two.
34:12That's a nice play by Jake.
34:13Sold the drive.
34:14And a nice little jump stop for the jumper.
34:18Nice play.
34:18Well, Jenkins had a 15-assist game earlier this year.
34:22Luka high up.
34:23Not this.
34:23Good rebound by Vandos.
34:24Here comes Luka all the way to score.
34:27Give Vando all the credit in the world right there.
34:30What the hustle guys do for you?
34:31They get you extra possessions.
34:33And extra possessions are big time.
34:35And Luka was already on the move to the rim.
34:37Diving.
34:38And that certainly helped matters.
34:40Underneath.
34:41Paris LaVert.
34:42Diving.
34:44Diving Luka.
34:46Now Kennard.
34:47Ooh, long shot, long rebound.
34:49Boy, that would have been a nice payoff, huh?
34:51Boy, Luka.
34:52Down on the hardwoods, Stu.
34:54That was some sellout by Luka.
34:56I mean, dove and he kept it alive.
34:58Shot clock is off, which means they will work for the final shot.
35:05Karris LaVert.
35:07Yeah, he can get hot in a hurry.
35:09Drive.
35:10Kick.
35:11Three.
35:12Got it.
35:12With 1.2 in the quarter.
35:15Luka heaves it.
35:16And the quarter is over.
35:20But the Lakers did end on a 16-9 run.
35:23Yeah, they end on the nice break.
35:25They have the lead.
35:26And they're absorbing this contact, all this aggression from the Pistons.
35:31So they'll head into the second with a four-point advantage.
35:41Save on an award-winning Nissan at the Nissan Now sales event.
35:47Well, the Lakers have a four-point lead heading into the second.
35:50And that play by Luka, they taps it.
35:52And then look at this dive right there.
35:55Kept it alive.
35:56The Lakers almost came away with a triple.
35:58Then Luka went straight to the locker room.
36:00I think he probably has a floor burn or something that he wants to clean up.
36:05But I'm sure he'll be back.
36:06It's the normal rotation with him going out after playing the entire first quarter.
36:11And LeBron checks back in.
36:13And the Lakers started two for three for 13 and one for nine for three.
36:17But they definitely improved with giving their numbers when they get the basketball.
36:22First possession of the second quarter.
36:24Detroit throws it away.
36:25Now it's LeBron one-on-one.
36:27Now it's one-on-three.
36:29And Green came over to knock it out of bounds.
36:33Brun didn't have a whole lot of help that time.
36:35Yeah, he noticed he was going to one-on-two or so.
36:37So he tried to just dribble clear.
36:39The third one came in and from behind knocked it.
36:42Knocked it loose.
36:43Well, obviously that hand, finger, whatever it may be,
36:45appears to still be bothering him a bit.
36:49Lakers have made six of their last 13 and two of their last five threes.
36:54Reeves.
36:55He just peeks at the clock.
36:56He knows the clock.
36:57The ball with three pull-up mid-range is an air ball.
37:01Did they get a hand on it?
37:02Boy, that was way short.
37:03Yeah, Austin felt, said he got hit on the arm.
37:06The official said, no, you didn't.
37:07Herder.
37:08Now Vando digging in.
37:10Everybody knows he's one of the best on-ball defenders the Lakers have.
37:15No danger way outside.
37:17LeBron bounces down to the post.
37:19Dern, who's been pretty quiet so far.
37:21And LeBron scores.
37:22And Karras LeBron, he can score.
37:25Boy, after being some real scary health issues,
37:28it's always good to see him healthy.
37:30He's played for Brooklyn, Indiana, Cleveland, Atlanta.
37:32And Detroit in his career.
37:36Oh, baseline.
37:37Everybody forgot about it.
37:38You know he hasn't played in a few games.
37:40Well, kind of hard to double off the baseline
37:43because that leaves the baseline,
37:44and that's where Vandy was roaming.
37:47Out of Kentucky.
37:50That's where they're out of the tournament.
37:51Here is Thompson underneath.
37:52Throw it up and throw it in.
37:54Man, that's truly what he did.
37:57Just hoping.
37:59And it was answered.
38:01Another look.
38:02It's hard to double-team the best passer on the other team.
38:05LeBron's always looking for the open guy,
38:07and he turns and immediately spots the cutting Vandy.
38:10And then on the other end, Thompson, nice and won.
38:13I mean, he really did a good job of continuation.
38:16Jackson Hayes picks up the foul.
38:19Some numbers of note.
38:20LeBron hasn't scored, but he has three rebounds and five assists.
38:24And DeAndre Ayton has five boards for the Lakers.
38:28And with this lineup,
38:29LeBron has to be a little bit more aggressive offensively.
38:33Offensively.
38:34Reeves trying to get to the rim.
38:36Does!
38:36And it's no good.
38:37He'll go to the line and shoot two.
38:39Boy, so quick when he wants to get to the rim.
38:41And that's what you do to defensive pressure on the ball.
38:44They're giving up something.
38:46They're giving up the drive,
38:47and nobody on the Lakers better than Austin Reeves at getting to the paint.
38:52Well, we suspect that Luka would be back,
38:54and he is after a quick visit back into the locker room.
38:58Boy, everybody, everybody in the league is banged up, Stu, aren't they?
39:01At this point in time in the season?
39:03Absolutely.
39:03There's nobody fresh.
39:05All right, Laker fans, tacos, as you know, that's the deal.
39:08They're on the line again tonight.
39:09If the Lakers win,
39:10you will score a couple of free tacos with a drink purchase from Jug in the box,
39:15and you will be able to re-beam tomorrow.
39:21Austin's numbers offensively.
39:2411 points in the fourth quarter against the Magic.
39:28He's played 40 minutes four of the last five games.
39:33Really a workhorse out there, A.R.
39:36And he loves every minute.
39:38Oh, yes, he does.
39:39Duran.
39:39Boy, just trying to get physical that time with Hayes and draws the foul.
39:43There's a case where Jackson Hayes used his hands instead of his feet.
39:46You've got to move your feet in that position.
39:48Don't use your hands until he shows you the basketball for the shot.
39:52That's two very quick fouls on Jackson Hayes.
39:56And Duran will go to the free throw line.
39:59I mentioned earlier, he's a 73 percenter.
40:03Pistons are 22-5 when he scores at least 20 points.
40:08So that's something to look at.
40:09How about this right now from Morongo?
40:13We're giving away a Cadillac Escalade IQL March 29th.
40:18Morongo.
40:21Last five games, he's increased his production average of 27.
40:26Look at that field goal percentage.
40:2871 percent.
40:29Wow.
40:31They have won three in a row, Detroit.
40:34And during this three-game winning streak for them, he has averaged almost 28 a game.
40:40He's the third best, has the third best rebound percentage in the entire league.
40:46Oh, yeah.
40:47Boxing up.
40:48He gets around it.
40:49LaRavia scores!
40:51That was close to the offensive foul.
40:53Yeah, you see Jake's left arm.
40:55Yeah.
40:56I hear that one still.
40:58But good for Jake.
41:00He knocks it through.
41:01Pass and a good one on the bounce.
41:03And Green can't finish.
41:06Another look at Jake after they harassed Austin at midcourt.
41:10He gets it to Jake, goes through the rim in that left arm.
41:13But he kept it down enough.
41:15If he has that thing up and out a little bit more, they may have blown the whistle.
41:19Vando picks up the team's third foul.
41:23There's that look at Jake and how it's Javante Green.
41:27He went to Radford for four years.
41:30He was also undrafted.
41:35He was with the Pellys last year.
41:36You might recall that.
41:37Played overseas in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
41:41And settling into the best league in the world right now, the NBA.
41:44And here in Detroit.
41:47Where Stu played what?
41:48For a whole year?
41:49Two years?
41:49A half a year?
41:50Two years.
41:55Back at old Kobo Arena.
41:59Look at this ball pressure.
42:01He handles it.
42:03We found the Lakers.
42:04Going to LeBron.
42:05The illegal pick.
42:09LeBron's first.
42:14And with the lineup they have on the floor defensively, you really only want LeBron,
42:19excuse me, Austin bringing it up.
42:20But under that much duress, maybe try somebody else.
42:26And as they say over the PA here, Detroit basketball.
42:30And they do have it underneath.
42:31Put up and in.
42:32That's LeBron one more time.
42:37Tied at 33.
42:39Fifth time we've been tied in the contest.
42:41Glad you're with us.
42:42Beckham Sportsnet, wherever you may be.
42:45They just want to keep it rolling.
42:46Lob jam!
42:48Finished by Jax.
42:50Get set up by Austin.
42:52We got DA coming in.
42:54As well as Luke Kennard at the next whistle.
42:56They're poised right here at the scorer's table.
42:59Underneath.
43:00No.
43:00Take it by LeBron.
43:01Chance for the mini break.
43:02He comes across the timeline.
43:04Spinning can't get away from the defender.
43:06LeBron keeps the dribble.
43:09After the block by Hayes.
43:11And out of bounds.
43:13And the same type of play they're saying that LeBron touched it last.
43:16They rewarded the ball to the Pistons.
43:19As LeBron setting up for the drop step.
43:21Does he reach in?
43:23Looks like he comes across the arm.
43:25I mean.
43:26I'm glad I'm not an official.
43:28I've been making all kind of mistakes, I guess.
43:31You would not be enjoying your life.
43:33Oh, no.
43:34No.
43:34That wouldn't enjoy it at all.
43:36That would be work.
43:38Because, yeah.
43:39And you know what?
43:39You have report to your life.
43:40You know what about work?
43:41It'd be unappreciated work.
43:43Yeah.
43:43There's nobody.
43:44Everybody with three of these.
43:44The officials.
43:46Never.
43:47They never have a home game.
43:48Never make a call that everybody agrees on.
43:51Hurta.
43:52Three-pointer.
43:53Oh, let it fly.
43:55Oh, Vando had it.
43:56Kennard was actually waiting for it.
43:58So, fortunate that the Lakers did control it.
44:01Now, Reeves will quarterback this possession.
44:04Oh!
44:04Goes right down the middle.
44:06Blocked that time.
44:07Down goes Reeves.
44:08What a play by Thompson.
44:10Wow.
44:10Thompson at the other end.
44:12And D.A. challenges.
44:15And they may look at this.
44:17Well, it looks like.
44:18I thought it was an okay play.
44:20Yeah, it looked like he was trying to get to the ball.
44:24Two plays in a row.
44:25But the one by Thompson.
44:27Straight up.
44:28And then with the left hand.
44:30Rejects it.
44:30Now they're going to review the foul on DeAndre Ayton.
44:34As they're ruling to see if it's a.
44:37Me trigger on the floor.
44:39Oh, no.
44:39Yeah, it's going to be a flagrant.
44:40Yeah, because I think he's going to hit it.
44:41Yeah, 100%.
44:42That'll be a flagrant.
44:43I think he hits him right across the head.
44:45Yep.
44:45Right there.
44:46Live.
44:46We didn't see that.
44:48That's a flagrant.
44:49Without question.
44:50So get ready for it, Lakers.
44:52That's what you're going to have to deal with.
44:57Anytime you get contact with the head,
45:00you know you're going to probably get a whistle for the flagrant foul.
45:07Add in the mix that they're going to probably say it was a wind up as well.
45:13Should be a short review.
45:15Now this Detroit team, it's a foregone conclusion,
45:19but they're currently the only team that has actually clinched a playoff berth.
45:23But, you know, that far ahead of everybody else, ouch.
45:27After review, there is wind up an impact on the contact by Ayton.
45:31This contact has been upgraded to a flagrant foul penalty one as an unnecessary contact.
45:35But, you know, two free throws will be Detroit basketball after the free throws.
45:43Now, as we mentioned, one of the easier plays you'll ever review,
45:46and it was relatively short.
45:50We'd like the flow of the game to continue, as we know you do too.
45:53Again, next game we will be in Indiana.
45:56The Pacers, what a lost season it has been for them
45:59ever since Tyrese Halliburton went down in the finals last year.
46:03They have changed their roster a little bit,
46:05but they are hoping to get a top four draft pick,
46:08and we will be there on Wednesday night,
46:11same time back in Southern California.
46:14Early start, 4 o'clock, pregame at 3.
46:17So it'll be LeVert taking two free throws on the flagrant one,
46:20and then the Pistons will get the basketball.
46:25Detroit, offensively, they are the seventh best scoring team,
46:30but defensively the third best as far as points allowed.
46:35They are top three in defensive rebound, field goal percentage,
46:40turnovers, they turn you over more than anybody in the NBA,
46:44over 17 times a game.
46:46You can see why, just with the amount of ball pressure
46:48you've seen them put on the Lakers in this game.
46:52That's why they're winning basketball games.
46:54You look at the roster, and you're saying,
46:56where's that offense coming from?
46:58Well, Snow Cade Cunningham.
47:00He's coming from their defense.
47:01Yeah, exactly right.
47:03Herder, he'll fire this one, got it.
47:06Well, when he's hot, he's one of the best.
47:09A little bit streaky, but right there,
47:11Red Velvet knocked it down,
47:12and there it is, getting a hand on the basketball.
47:15It's Thompson, what did I say?
47:16Second in the whole NBA in deflections.
47:18He got one right there.
47:20That pass traveled a distance, too.
47:22The Lakers very fortunate that he didn't come up with the ball.
47:269-2 Detroit run.
47:287-and-a-half to go here in the second.
47:31Rolling is 8.
47:333-point country is Vanderbilt.
47:34He goes right to the rim, doesn't draw iron.
47:38And the Lakers down by 3.
47:39Detroit looking for their biggest lead.
47:42Dern did a good job of making Vandy really alter that shot.
47:46Again, Thompson, not a great 3-point shooter.
47:48Rob underneath, boy, ceiling great as Dern.
47:51Oh, he's going to be mad at himself.
47:53Oh, man.
47:54That's a bucket he should have scored,
47:56but he'll shoot two free throws.
47:58When you have a player that's ceiling like that and going so well,
48:01the guy guarding the passer,
48:02you've got to close out and really take away the over-the-top pass.
48:07J.D.
48:10Well, Dern, as they say here, J.D.,
48:13he's 4-for-4 already from the line.
48:15Hey, learn to play the Laker way this summer at Camp Lakers,
48:18presented by UCLA Health,
48:21where boys and girls ages 8-17 will hone their basketball skills
48:25and discover the importance of teamwork.
48:28Go ahead and register your child at Lakers.com slash community.
48:34Luka checks back into the game.
48:36We've played St. Vandy.
48:4017 more first-quarter points for Luka.
48:43He's the only one in the game, either team, in double figures.
48:50Dern is close.
48:51Dern is living at the free throw line.
48:52Yeah, 11-2.
48:55Detroit run and their biggest lead of the game, a modest 5.
49:00Seven lead changes already in this one.
49:03Kinnar tries to slip around the defensive Herder.
49:06LeBron is out on top.
49:08LeBron.
49:09Ah, 4.
49:10Still has not scored.
49:12Ooh, somebody gets knocked down by Aiton.
49:14They've got the rebound and Hurton down here on low to get up as Thompson, you're right, Stu.
49:20He and Aiton collided her two in a row.
49:23Uh-uh.
49:24And Aiton has the defensive glass.
49:27Now surveying the floor and bringing it into the attacking 47 and spinning as Luka.
49:32Luka pulls up with a one-handed shot.
49:34He winds up on his wallet.
49:36Now they've got numbers coming back the other way.
49:39Power play, 5-on-4, and they score.
49:45What a controlled player he turned himself into.
49:48A couple years ago, he would have been a little bit more out of control on that particular type of
49:52play.
49:53He had a career-high 36 on Tuesday against Washington.
49:56Reeves, cut on it!
49:59Backhand layup finds the bottom of a well.
50:01The Lakers needed that when they'd fallen behind by their largest margin.
50:06As Austin Reeves gets to the paint, gets the foul and the basket,
50:10he'll be shooting for the 3-4-y blood.
50:13The Lakers basketball is being brought to you by Shakey's Pizza Parlor.
50:17Serving up handcrafted pizza, crispy fried chicken, and famous Mojo potatoes since 1954.
50:26We're in downtown tonight, downtown Detroit.
50:28Time now for the Chipotle Real Difference Maker.
50:31And it's LeBron and the Lakers.
50:34But he has 10 assists on 13 baskets, so they're moving the ball when they have some openings.
50:40LeBron's the main goalkeeper.
50:41He's got five of the 10 assists.
50:44He hasn't scratched yet, but he has four rebounds as well.
50:47So he's going to probably get his ability to score going here in a minute.
50:52As we get another look at how Austin answered the contact, just throw it up.
50:56Might get lucky.
50:57And he did.
50:58Big three are in.
50:59The Dodgers back in along with AR and LeBron.
51:02LeBron is 0 for 4 from the floor.
51:05So you've got four starters and Cunard in the game.
51:10LaRavia started the game for Marcus Smart.
51:13Again, Marcus Smart and Rui are both unavailable tonight.
51:16If you're just joining us, Maxi Kleber is, in case they need the big guy, a little mid-range.
51:22Jenkins at that time, a little probe, then just elevates the top of the defenders.
51:27That's a nice-looking player.
51:28Yeah, nine easy points for him to go along with three rebounds and three assists.
51:3444-38.
51:35LeBron is in deep, but he has it poked away.
51:36Out of bounds it goes.
51:38Italy Laker basketball with 10 to shoot.
51:41Tobias is coming back in, as is Duncan Robinson.
51:46They're keeping fresh bodies in there, and they have to if they're going to continue with this kind of defensive
51:51pressure.
51:54Well, how about this?
51:55A do Thero is going to come into the game.
51:57Good for him.
51:58Coming in for LeBron.
51:59Yeah.
52:00That finger might be bothering him still.
52:03We're just getting a rest, obviously, halfway through the quarter.
52:06It's the regular thing.
52:07Thero gets hammered.
52:09I think the officials are bothering him more than anything.
52:11He hasn't had a call going his way in this game.
52:16Well, Thero gets an opportunity, Stu, in a first-half tight game.
52:21He gets a chance at the free-throw line.
52:23First time he's been there in a game in quite some time.
52:28Yeah, we saw him quite a bit in December.
52:29He played 11 games and was hurt a little bit.
52:32He's played just four times since returning from another knee injury.
52:39And a do is at the line.
52:41Lakers, again, start tonight in the third spot.
52:43They're not going to lose that no matter what happens this evening.
52:46They are two-and-a-half up on all three, Houston, Denver, and Minnesota,
52:50and six-and-a-half up on the Suns who are in the play-in.
52:54So that seems safe.
52:55But the Lakers are going to avoid the play-in this season.
52:58They will play Phoenix one more time.
53:00Duncan Robinson, who's that off of?
53:03It's off of him.
53:04Yeah, it should be off of Robinson.
53:05Good hands again.
53:06This time I believe it was Aiden that reached in.
53:09Well, ball security was one of Stu's keys to start the game.
53:13And so far, so good.
53:14Only two turnovers for the Lake Show.
53:17And five for Detroit.
53:19Leaning, shooting, missing.
53:21Topped up and in by D.A.
53:23Oh, he is really active here in the first half.
53:28What a monster he's been on the offensive glass, too.
53:30That's where he is really thriving.
53:33Second in the whole league in field goal percentage behind Rudy Gobert.
53:39Tobias Harris.
53:41We're going to get defensive three-second violation on Aiden.
53:45Another look at that play where Aiden tips in the shot that was missed by Luka.
53:51Just taps it.
53:52Look at that.
53:53Like he knew exactly where it was going.
53:55He taps it up and taps it in.
53:57Three offensive rebounds.
53:58Total of seven points for DeAndre.
54:01Now Tobias Harris after the illegal defense call.
54:07Tobias.
54:08Two games this month with 20-plus.
54:11You saw earlier his career against the Lakers.
54:1416-and-a-half points.
54:15Second stint here with Detroit.
54:18We only saw him for six minutes back in Los Angeles on December the 30th before he left with an
54:24injury.
54:25So it was the most we've seen him this year.
54:27Of course, he's two teams played to other two times.
54:30Reed.
54:30Boy, there was big-time contact.
54:32They say play on.
54:33Bounce now to Thero.
54:35Aduke going to try to get to the rim.
54:36That's his game.
54:37Trying to get to the rim.
54:39Can't that time.
54:40Got a little bit of a mini break coming back the other way.
54:42Detroit.
54:43Aduke should have used his left hand.
54:46Robinson catch-and-shoot.
54:49Boy, he really went up strong to get that board for the late show.
54:54We're calling a traveling violation on Luka.
54:57Robinson had stepped in front of him and didn't really, I don't think Luka saw him initially and kind of
55:03shuffled the feet.
55:04Third turnover.
55:10He had dropped the ball.
55:12He wanted a replay.
55:14Of course, Lakers are shaving.
55:17And we got bodies on the floor again.
55:19Reed.
55:20That'll be able to do.
55:21Or green, rather.
55:22Excuse me.
55:22Green.
55:25Now, Thero, you can imagine.
55:27Everything's probably going 100 miles an hour for him right now.
55:31This doesn't get enough playing time to probably feel super comfortable when he first steps on the floor.
55:3845-41, Stu.
55:41Tired of the typical to a Piston game, though.
55:44This is the way, this is the way they play.
55:49They are 7-5 this month.
55:52I mentioned 4.5 up on Boston, 5 on New York, and they won't play either one of them coming
55:59down the stretch.
56:01Their point differential is the second best in the NBA.
56:04You can probably guess who number one is.
56:06That's OKC.
56:09AR goes out of the game.
56:12He's already played 18 minutes, more than anybody else.
56:16Looking to play 40 more tonight.
56:22Down by 6 with 4.20 left in the half.
56:26Biggest lead for each team has been 7, and number 77 has it.
56:31Doncic had a shot if he wanted it.
56:33Not yet.
56:34It's the perfect choice.
56:36Great decision.
56:37Well, he was looking at Cunard, and they kind of shifted that way while looking there.
56:41Somehow, no look past 8.
56:45That's actually Lucas' first assist tonight.
56:48He piles him up quickly.
56:50Harris comes out the other end.
56:52They're going to work it on the perimeter.
56:54Jenkins, he's been a factor, and he continues to be just that.
56:58This is why they are not a bad team.
57:01They're missing their starting point, obviously, in Kate Cunningham, but Jenkins, he's played well.
57:05This roster has been really put together very well.
57:11Harris stopped the ball.
57:13He goes right by...
57:14Oh, he tried to throw it down.
57:16How about that?
57:17Jenkins, look out, look out.
57:20Jenkins is a one-man wrecking crew right now.
57:23Back-to-back triples, and with 3.25 to go in the half, the Lakers are down 10.
57:31Second quarter, spotlight time, and it's a good one.
57:34Brought to you by Morongo.
57:36Yeah, it's the play where the Lakers win at the buzzer against Orlando.
57:39Marcus Smart, you always want a guy that makes good decisions taking the ball out of bounds,
57:45especially when you don't have a lot of time on the clock, just 2.6 seconds.
57:49His first read was probably going to be Austin Reed, but Austin gets knocked down.
57:53So now he's got to find another read.
57:55LeBron dives to the basket, and for some reason, Ben Carroll decides, well, I'm going to go with him.
58:02And maybe I shouldn't have.
58:04I should have stayed at home, because Bain was with him, and that left Luke Kennard open.
58:08And wow, what a finish to the game.
58:11And welcome to the Lakers, Luke Kennard.
58:14Boy, that adjusting of the sleeve was pretty cool, and he was ready to go.
58:18And he said, I really felt accepted by the fellas after I made that shot.
58:23It was big for him.
58:25It was big for him and big for the team.
58:27Obviously, Lava Rave, yeah.
58:28Underneath, that's a good move by Jake, and he lays it up and in.
58:31And he's kind of put his head down and bullied his way into the paint.
58:34It was a 9-2 run, and Jenkins had half a dozen during it.
58:40Jenkins with the basketball, by the way, has eight points here in the second quarter.
58:44They dump it in low to Reed, who lays it up and in.
58:47Paul Reed.
58:48Hey, a nice flash by Reed.
58:52Went to DePaul.
58:5511-plus minutes in five of his last six.
58:58So, he's part of the rotation.
58:59Doddich, you get sandwiched there a little bit.
59:02Trying to go through the defenders and get tapped up and in by Hayes.
59:08So, again, the Laker Bigs doing a good job offensive rebounding.
59:12Doing a good job, because Luke is throwing so much attention.
59:15The Bigs are trying to slide over.
59:17That's 13 second chance points for the Purple and Gold.
Comments