Reaves Scores 43 as Lakers Beat Pistons

Austin Reaves scored a season-best 43 points to lead the Luka Dončić-less Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-116 win over Detroit, ending the Pistons’ four-game winning streak against Los Angeles. The Lakers’ 26-point lead dwindled to one in the fourth quarter before Reaves and his teammates made key late plays; Daniss Jenkins scored a career-high 31 points and Kevin Huerter added 24 off the bench. Detroit, which opened 6-1, lost for the second straight time. The Lakers have explored roster moves including Nique Clifford, acquired by Oklahoma City, and Isaiah Stewart, while building their center rotation around Walker Kessler; his strong early-season play has helped validate the move, though the backup center spot remains a concern. Luka Dončić reportedly supported the Lakers’ decision to re-sign Reaves, who has started effectively alongside him and is averaging a career-high number of turnovers while taking on more ball-handling duties; Detroit has also reportedly shown interest in Reaves, but no clear trade fit has emerged. Separately, Detroit has reportedly explored star additions such as Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard and could consider Dallas guard Kyrie Irving to add scoring and ball-handling alongside Cade Cunningham.