Austin Reaves scores 43 as Lakers beat Pistons without Luka Doncic

Austin Reaves scored a game-high 43 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 121-116 at Little Caesars Arena on Nov. 8, 2026, James H. Williams of USA TODAY reported.

The Lakers played without Luka Doncic, who was ruled out with lower back tightness, according to Williams. The victory extended Los Angeles’ winning streak to five games and improved its record to 9-2, the NBA announced in a Nov. 9 post.

Reaves shot 14-for-27 from the field, including 4-for-6 from three-point range, and went 11-for-11 at the free-throw line, Williams reported.

“I was a lucky basketball player tonight,” Reaves told reporters after the game, according to USA TODAY.

Los Angeles also got a double-double from Walker Kessler, who finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds. Williams reported that the Lakers built their early lead by outscoring Detroit 38-14 in the first quarter.