Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons 121‑116 in Detroit on Sunday night at Little Caesars Arena. The Lakers, who were without star guard Luka Dončić because of a lower‑back strain announced before the game, were led by Austin Reaves, who scored 43 points, and Walker Kessler, who grabbed 16 rebounds. The victory moved the Lakers to a 9‑2 record. Detroit opened the game poorly, falling behind 14‑38 in the first quarter. The Pistons rallied in the second, third, and fourth quarters, posting 34‑23, 33‑27, and 35‑33 respectively, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome. Danis Jenkins was the top scorer for Detroit with 31 points, while Kevin Huerter added 24 points and five blocks. Austin Thompson collected 11 rebounds, and Cade Cunningham finished with eight assists. The loss drops Detroit’s record to 6‑3 and extends the Pistons’ home‑court losing streak, underscoring the need for stronger starts in future games.