Reaves Scores Season-High 43 as Lakers Beat Pistons 121-116 for Fifth Straight Win

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 121-116 on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, behind a season-high 43 points from Austin Reaves. The win was the fifth straight for Los Angeles, which entered the night 8-2 on a four-game winning streak. Detroit entered the game 6-2.

Reaves takes over the scoring

Reaves shot 14 of 27 from the field, 4 of 6 from three-point range and 11 of 11 at the free throw line in 36 minutes 41 seconds. He added 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He scored 19 points in the first half and 13 more in the third quarter, reaching 32 points entering the fourth quarter. It was his first 30-point game of the season, and the New York Post called it his best game of the season.

He closed the game himself. With 2 seconds left, Reaves made two free throws to set the final 121-116 margin and finish a perfect night at the line.

Early control, then a Detroit push

The Lakers took control early, winning the first quarter 38-14 and leading by as many as 26 points. Detroit answered in the second quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 34-23, and the Lakers led 61-48 at halftime. Detroit won the third quarter 33-27, but Los Angeles still led 88-81 entering the fourth. Detroit also won the fourth quarter 35-33, without closing the final gap before Reaves sealed the result at the line. The quarter scores finished Pistons 14, 34, 33, 35 and Lakers 38, 23, 27, 33.

The night had one sharp moment away from the play. In the second quarter, with the Lakers ahead 60-45, Reaves exchanged words face to face with a courtside fan during a stoppage. Play resumed, and Reaves kept scoring on his way to 19 first-half points.

Jenkins and Huerter keep Detroit close

Daniss Jenkins led Detroit with 31 points on 9 of 17 shooting, including 8 of 15 from three-point range. Kevin Huerter scored 24 points for the Pistons, and Cade Cunningham finished with 14 points and 8 assists. Their scoring kept Detroit in the game through the fourth quarter, after Los Angeles had led by as many as 26 points in the first half.

Walker Kessler gave Los Angeles 12 points and 16 rebounds. Collin Sexton and Ziaire Williams scored 17 points each for the Lakers.

Luka Doncic did not play for Los Angeles. He was ruled out with lower back tightness, his second absence of the season. Orbit Post covered the ruling out in a separate report.