The Los Angeles Lakers begin a four-game road trip on Sunday at the Little Caesars Arena to take on the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers are coming off their fourth straight win, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 124-118 in a 2026 NBA Cup group stage matchup.
Luka Doncic had another masterful performance, scoring 53 points on 17-for-33 shooting. He’s now averaging 40.1 points per game this season as the Lakers sit atop the Western Conference standings at 8-2.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report vs. Pistons
The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. They have two players on the report, including Luka Doncic.
Doncic is listed as questionable due to low back tightness. He will be evaluated before tip-off and could be upgraded to available. He has already missed one game because of a back injury earlier this season.
The Lakers could also give Doncic a rest since it’s the first game of a back-to-back. If he doesn’t play, Austin Reaves gets to lead the offense, while Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton will be asked to do more.
UPDATE: Doncic has been ruled out.
Walker Kessler is also on the injury report. He is listed as available despite a left finger injury. He continues to wear a splint but has yet to miss a game this season.
Kessler is having a great start to his Lakers career. He’s averaging 14.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.4 blocks in 10 games.
Bronny James and Cameron Carr are off the injury report after spending a brief time with the Coachella Valley Lakers in the NBA G League.
Adou Thiero is also available to play after making his season debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lakers vs. Pistons Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers enter Sunday’s matchup on a four-game losing streak to the Detroit Pistons. They have not beaten the Pistons since February 13, 2024. They also have not won in Detroit since November 29, 2023.
It’s going to be a really good game since the Pistons are among the best teams in the Eastern Conference. They are 6-2 to start the season, though they are coming off a 112-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Cade Cunningham is going to be a handful for the Lakers. He’s among the best players in the NBA today and could go toe-to-toe with Luka Doncic if he’s cleared to play.
The Lakers vs. Pistons game is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. EST. It will be televised on NBA TV and Spectrum Sportsnet.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Injury Report vs. Detroit Pistons (Nov. 8)