Reaves scores 43 as Lakers beat Pistons without Dončić

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 121-116 on Sunday, extending their winning streak to five games as Austin Reaves scored a season-high 43 points with Luka Dončić sidelined by lower-back tightness.

Reaves shot 14-for-27 from the field, made four of six three-pointers and converted all 11 free throws. He also had five rebounds and four assists. Dončić, who was ruled out before tipoff, had averaged 40.1 points per game, according to game reports.

The Lakers built a 40-14 lead early in the second quarter, but Detroit rallied and trailed 61-48 at halftime. Reaves scored 13 points in the third quarter as Los Angeles entered the final period ahead 88-81. The Pistons drew within one point three times in the fourth, but the Lakers held on. Reaves hit a late three-pointer and made free throws to help secure the win.

Detroit’s Daniss Jenkins scored a career-high 31 points off the bench, and Kevin Huerter added 24. The Pistons, who had opened the season 6-1, lost consecutive games for the first time this season. Walker Kessler had 12 points and 16 rebounds for Los Angeles, while Ziaire Williams and Collin Sexton each scored 17.

During a first-half stoppage, Reaves and a...