DETROIT — It’s interesting how the Los Angeles Lakers tend to perform better during seasons when their roster is full.
It’s also notable that their impressive nine-game winning streak came to a halt with a close loss to the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night. This match highlighted their first game without at least two key rotation players since their victory over the Bulls on March 12.
Even though the Lakers managed to claw back from a 16-point deficit and briefly took the lead near the end of the game, you could really see their absence. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura were sorely missed.
Hachimura’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc (he’s got a 43.8% success rate, placing him seventh in the league) and create scoring opportunities would have been incredibly beneficial, especially given that the Pistons have the second-best defense in the NBA.
As for Smart, his knack for physical play and defensive skills was overlooked against a fierce Pistons squad, which relentlessly challenged the Lakers on the perimeter.
Despite being sidelined, Smart with a bruised right ankle and hip tightness, and Hachimura suffering from calf soreness, the Lakers still put up a fight.
Jared Vanderbilt, who found himself playing more minutes than expected, managed to contribute with four points, four rebounds, and two assists in about 15-and-a-half minutes.
However, having Smart control the ball and make plays for nearly half an hour would have complicated matters for the Pistons, especially targeting Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves. His defense would have also helped slow down Pistons guard Danis Jenkins, who scored a personal best of 30 points in his third consecutive start due to Cade Cunningham being sidelined.
“Not having Smart really hurt us,” coach JJ Reddick acknowledged. “Vand did a great job. He was ready when called upon, but we really need Smart to handle the ball, play defense, and for Louis to shoot. Those roles are crucial for our team.”
A lot of attention this season has been on the Lakers’ star players during both high and low moments. Doncic has been on a roll lately, Reaves has established himself as a reliable second scoring option, and LeBron James is adjusting to the demands of this Lakers lineup.
Nevertheless, this game was a reminder of how everyone plays a part—like Deandre Ayton’s tenacity on the boards or Jackson Hayes’ defensive presence. The harmony of their usual rotation, which includes Doncic, Reaves, Smart, James, Ayton, Hachimura, Hayes, Jake LaRavia, and Luke Kennard, is what makes them effective.
Since returning from the All-Star break, the Lakers have recorded an 8-2 record with all nine players available.
“It’s vital for us to stay healthy and play our full rotation,” Reddick noted. “After the Luke trade, we became a much better team with all nine players in the mix. We need to finish strong, and staying healthy is part of that.”
Looking ahead, the Lakers aim to close out their six-game series on a positive note with a matchup against the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
Since reaching the NBA Finals nine months ago, the Pacers have struggled, holding the league’s worst record at 16-56, largely due to the absence of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been out since tearing his Achilles tendon last June.
It’s also clear they seem to be playing for a higher draft pick.
However, the Pacers did snap a franchise-record 16-game losing streak with a win over the Magic, a team vying for a playoff spot.
“They play hard, they’re quick, and they’re well-coached,” James commented on the Pacers. “We need to be prepared. This is the end of our road trip, and I know everyone is anxious to get home, but we have business to attend to.”
