The Luka-less Lakers do the impossible in Detroit

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons on their home floor at Little Caesars Arena on November 9, 2026, without star player Luka Dončić in the lineup. The victory came against what is described as the league's top-ranked defense, with Austin Reaves among those stepping up for Los Angeles. The win silenced critics who had questioned the Lakers' legitimacy as a contender.