Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t get a win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. Spirits were high coming into the game since it was LeBron James’ 41st birthday. But the mood changed after the Pistons’ assertive defense took control of the game, and the Lakers suffered a 128-106 defeat.
Doncic did everything he could with 30 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. But it wasn’t all positive for the Slovenian star, as he shot 27.3% from deep. He also had eight turnovers, which were highlighted by Skip Bayless on X.
Bayless blamed Doncic’s mistakes for the Lakers’ defeat. He mentioned the five-time All-Star’s turnover problems and inefficiency from three.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)
“Lakers blown out at home by Pistons mostly because of Luka’s killer inefficiency: 8 turnovers, 3-11 from 3. LEADS NBA IN TURNOVERS. 2nd in NBA in 3 attempts, yet only a pathetic 31% from 3. Just hard to overcome Luka. You miss this, Dallas???” Bayless posted.
Overall, the Lakers had 20 turnovers. Their defense was also exposed, only securing 10 steals in the game.
Aside from their problems on the defensive end, LA couldn’t make shots from beyond the arc. Along with Doncic’s inefficient performance, the rest of the team only made 28.2% of their 39 attempts. The birthday celebrant, James, shot 3-for-10 from deep.
After the loss, the Lakers are now 20-11 in the season. It hasn’t been a great stretch of games, as they are 1-5 in their past five matches. Against the Pistons, they were hopeful to end 2025 positively.
The Lakers’ next game will be on Jan. 2, 2026, against the Memphis Grizzlies.