Lakers 114, Pistons 99
LOS ANGELES -- Forward Jordan Hill had a career outing as the Los Angeles Lakers pounded the Detroit Pistons 114-99 at Staples Center on Sunday night.
Hill finished with 24 points and 17 rebounds as the Lakers (5-7) ended a two-game skid and handed the Pistons their fifth setback in the past six games.
Hill's previous career-best point total was 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov. 12. Twice last season he grabbed 15 rebounds, his previous best on the boards.
Guard Jodie Meeks and reserve forward Nick Young each had 19 points for the Lakers. Meeks hit four of the Lakers' 10 3-pointers. Forward Wesley Johnson finished with 13 points. Steve Blake had 16 assists and nine points.
Lakers center Pau Gasol finished with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Point guard Brandon Jennings led Detroit (3-6) with 23 points and 14 assists. Forward Josh Smith finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. Center Greg Monroe scored 17 points and hauled down seven rebounds, while forward Andre Drummond had 14 points and 13 rebounds. Reserve guard Rodney Stuckey had 16 points.
The Lakers shot 52.2 percent (47 of 90) from the floor overall, compared to 48.3 percent (42 of 87) by the Pistons.
Los Angeles closed out the third quarter on a 10-0 run for a 79-71 lead. Two 3-pointers by Young and buckets by Gasol and guard Jordan Farmar in the final two minutes sparked the surge as Los Angeles outscored Detroit 29-15 in the third.
The Lakers continued their tear in the fourth, building an 89-76 lead after a tip-in by Hill with about eight minutes remaining. Detroit couldn't cut into the double-digit deficit.
The Pistons led 56-50 at the half by shooting 62.5 percent (25 of 40) compared to 43.5 percent (20-46) by the Lakers. Detroit scored 32 points inside the paint (Los Angeles managed 20) as the frontline of Smith (12 points), Monroe (11 points) and Drummond (10 points) all reached double figures.
NOTES: Speculation is running rampant about when Lakers SG Kobe Bryant will return. Bryant practiced for the first time Saturday since tearing an Achilles tendon seven months ago, and he participated in shooting drills during the Lakers' Sunday morning shootaround. However, the Lakers continue to maintain there is no timetable for his return. "I know why there's anticipation, but it's too early and he's got a ways to go," Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said. Bryant wasn't available for comment, arriving at the arena about 45 minutes before tip-off. ... Lakers PG Steve Blake had eight assists in the first quarter. ... Pistons PG Chauncey Billups did not play. He remains day-to-day with knee tendinitis. ... The Lakers get a four-day break before hosting the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. ... Detroit returns home to play the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
