Pistons expose LeBron James and Lakers for what they are

Identity in the NBA, the fundamental qualities that determine how a team plays most nights, is almost always forged over the course of a season.

The Lakers began the season with the belief that their defensive deficiencies would simply require them to outscore their opponents. Then, in a 180-degree turn, improved defensive performance contributed to the team’s strong play of late and simply pumped more energy into that area of ​​the field.

But what about the parts of identity that cannot be learned? What about the things that are happening right now Are?

On Monday night against the Detroit Pistons, the Lakers played with speed at times. They were able to play with physicality at times.

But on most nights, the Lakers are just a squad trying to be just that. And against a team like Detroit that doesn’t have to try to be physical or athletic, it’s crystal clear what the Lakers are doing are not – tall, strong or particularly athletic.

LeBron James made a career out of possessing these qualities at a level no one else could match. But 22 years in the NBA have provided a template for how to bully smaller players: The Pistons, with Cade Cunningham – often Austin Reaves – chasing down the smallest Lakers and beating them to a 117-114 victory.

The Lakers (16-13), trailing by as many as 11 points in the fourth after being injured for most of the second half, got within three points in the final 30 seconds. But Anthony Davis missed a layup. And while a foul was called, Detroit challenged and the officials overturned the decision.

The Pistons (13-17) and Cunningham went after Reaves again, with the Lakers guard forcing a late miss. The team had 3.7 seconds and one last chance to tie, but James missed an open three-pointer just before the buzzer.

Monday’s loss was a testament to the Lakers’ growing understanding of their style of play, bolstered by a welcome offense that included 14 successful three-pointers – the most for the Lakers in five games.

And physically, the Lakers have struggled – just not as comfortably as the Pistons.

Neither Laker was fouled a second time until there were 4 minutes and 20 seconds left in the game. And Detroit’s brawn certainly contributed to the Lakers’ 20 turnovers, mistakes that led to 28 Pistons points (the Lakers scored just nine of Detroit’s 12 turnovers).

James led the Lakers with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Each of the other four starters scored at least 10 points, but former Laker Malik Beasley scored 21 points off the Detroit bench. The Pistons’ reserves outscored the Lakers’ reserves 52-28.