The Los Angeles Lakers travel to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday looking to extend their winning streak to 10 games for the first time since 2019. The run has included wins over the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, with the group showing improved execution on both ends of the floor.
But the task becomes more difficult against a Pistons team that currently leads the Eastern Conference. Even without Cade Cunningham, who continues to recover from a collapsed lung, Detroit remains one of the league's most consistent teams.
As Los Angeles prepares for the upcoming matchup, it received positive news on Sunday when the NBArescindedLuka Doncic's 16th technical foul.
The technical, assessed during Saturday's win over Orlando, would have triggered an automatic one-game suspension. After a successful appeal, the league overturned the call, clearing Doncic to play in Detroit.
However, the update was followed by less encouraging news hours before tip-off. The Lakers announced that Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) will both miss Monday's game.
Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) has been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight's game at Detroit.
Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) have been downgraded to OUT.
— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) March 23, 2026
The absence of both players is significant. Without them, Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are expected to take on increased offensive responsibility, while players such as Luke Kennard will likely see expanded roles.
The Lakers have also only managed 50 possessions all season with LeBron-Luka-Reaves-Ayton on the floor and the fifth player being neither Smart nor Hachimura, per Lakers reporter Trevor Lane.
Smart has been one of the team's most effective perimeter defenders during the nine-game stretch while also contributing timely offense. Hachimura has been one of the Lakers' most efficient scorers, shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three across 59 games.
While fans will be disappointed by Smart and Hachimura's absences, there was at least one positive development. The team confirmed that Maxi Kleber is available after missing seven straight games with a lumbar back strain, and will offer additional depth in the frontcourt.
The Lakers (46-25) currently hold the third seed in the Western Conference standings, and will hope to tighten their grip with a statement win against the Pistons.
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