Lakers implode against Pistons, losing on LeBron James’ birthday

LeBron James walked to the scorer’s table Tuesday night and did his pregame routine of throwing chalk in the air, an iconic moment in his NBA-record 23rd season and on his 41st birthday.

James still marvels at his ability to be a force at this stage of his career, leaving teammates and opponents alike in awe.

But the Lakers weren’t able to give James the celebration he wanted, losing 128-106 to the Detroit Pistons at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers, who had 20 turnovers, have lost four of their last five games, and their 11 losses this season have been by at least 10 points.

Lakers star LeBron James is fouled by Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) in the first half on Tuesday.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

James finished with 17 points and Luka Doncic finished with 30 points and 11 assists, but they took their places on the bench for good with four minutes, 9 seconds left as the Lakers led 122-96.

The Lakers (20-11) were better defensively in the third quarter after struggling in the first half. After giving up 36 points in the first quarter, 34 in the second, the Lakers gave up 26 in the third and lost 96-88.

But the Lakers collapsed in the fourth, getting crushed by an 18-6 Pistons run that put the Lakers within a 20-point gap midway through the quarter. Detroit then dominated the Lakers 32-18 during the quarter.

Lakers coach JJ Redick called a timeout with six minutes remaining, but that didn’t stop the Pistons (25-8), who got 27 points and 11 assists from Cade Cunningham.

Before the game, Redick said he had conversations with James about what it took to play at such a high level for so long.

“He talked about sacrificing loved ones,” Redick said. “I think there is an external cost of care, and I think there is also an internal cost, and that can be exhaustion, burnout, mental fatigue, physical fatigue.

“That’s why you don’t see a lot of them – I don’t know in other sectors – but you don’t see a lot of great athletes who can maintain it as long as he maintains it.”

Detroit also showed the ability to maintain a level of greatness, scoring 70 points in the first 24 minutes and making 67.5 percent of its shots and 57.1 percent of its threes. They had 19 fast break points in the first half.

Doncic had 24 points in the first half, making eight of 10 free throws.

James had 15 at the half, going five of 10 from the field and three of six from three-point range.

Etc.

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura missed the game with right calf soreness and is expected to be out for about a week.