Lakers player grades: L.A. dominates the Pistons

The Lakers took care of business the way they needed to on Wednesday with a 26-point win over the Pistons.

After losing by 44 points to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers needed to win and win big on Wednesday to get back on track. That’s exactly what they did.

They faced the Detroit Pistons, who came into Wednesday’s game with the NBA’s worst record at 2-15, and they made quick work of them. Although the first four minutes were competitive, Los Angeles took control shortly afterward, and the Pistons had no chance at victory at any time afterward.

In the blink of an eye, it led 30-14, and it gradually extended its lead throughout the evening at Little Caesers Arena. The Purple and Gold easily outrebounded the Pistons and had a huge 38-14 advantage in free throw attempts while outscoring the Pistons 22-10 in fast-break points.

In the end, the Lakers’ 133-107 victory made for plenty of fourth-quarter garbage time, allowing their main players to get a little rest. That rest should help them when they face the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday to wrap up their four-game road trip and attempt to improve to a 12-8 record on the season.