Lakers finally show All Star class in Detroit win
Updated: 2012-11-06 14:40
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
Kobe Bryant, top, of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps for a shot against Tayshaun Prince (22) and Greg Monroe (10) of the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Nov 4, 2012. [Photo/CFP] |
The Los Angeles Lakers finally resembled the team many expected they would be as they blasted the Detroit Pistons 108-79 on Sunday to end their early-season slide.
The Lakers had begun the new season 0-3 for the first time since 1978, a shocking development for a team who acquired All Stars Dwight Howard and Steve Nash in the off-season.
On Sunday, however, they shook off the rust against the Pistons as Howard scored a game-high 28 points, Metta World Peace added 18 and Los Angeles quickly dominated by grabbing a 21-point lead after the first quarter.
"We weren't perfect, but I think everybody got a little taste in terms of what (we) can be like," Lakers coach Mike Brown told reporters. "I'm really excited about the direction of where we can go.
"We're just barely scratching the surface."
The chemistry problems that had plagued the Lakers, who include Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant, in previous games was not an issue as they tallied 27 assists.
Bryant had eight assists to go along with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Dwight Howard, left, and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the bench as their teammates play the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Nov 4, 2012. [Photo/CFP] |
After scoring 40 in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, Bryant played the role of facilitator.
"They obviously saw how I played last game and they tried to cut down my lanes a little bit," Bryant said. "I was able to hit my guys and they made shots."
The Lakers were again without Nash, who will miss at least a week with a left leg fracture.
Jonas Jerebko led Detroit with 18 points off the bench but they fell to 0-3 on the season. The Pistons shot just 35 percent and trailed by as much as 36 in the third quarter.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, seemed to be hitting on all cylinders and kept everyone involved.
Gasol added 14 points and Jordan Hill came off the bench to add 11 and seven rebounds.
Related Stories
Butler ready to face down Lakers 2012-08-26 08:53
Dwight Howard traded to Lakers in 12-player deal 2012-08-20 10:21
Lakers get Howard in 12-player blockbuster deal 2012-08-11 20:04
Nash goes to Lakers in sign-and-trade deal 2012-07-06 07:47
Nash headed to Lakers - report 2012-07-05 15:38
Overhaul on the way for Lakers 2012-05-24 08:11
Today's Top News
President Xi confident in recovery from quake
H7N9 update: 104 cases, 21 deaths
Telecom workers restore links
Coal mine blast kills 18 in Jilin
Intl scholarship puts China on the map
More bird flu patients discharged
Gold loses sheen, but still a safe bet
US 'turns blind eye to human rights'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
All-out efforts to save lives |
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |
'Spring' in the air for NGOs? |
Boy set to drive Chinese golf |
Latest technology gets people talking |