Grades for LeBron, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves in Lakers loss vs Pistons

Given some of the great escapes they’ve had over the last 10 days, the Lakers were certainly due for the defeat that came on Monday against the Pistons.

That’s not to say Monday didn’t bring some positives with it and signs of the growth this team has had in recent weeks and months. Think back to the last meeting against the Pistons, which came at a time when the Lakers were at potentially their lowest point of the season.

Detroit came into Crypto.com Arena and, frankly, punked the Lakers. On Monday, that same physicality certainly impacted the game, but it didn’t knock the Lakers off the tracks as it did three months ago.

To a similar point, this was also a team that, at many points early in the year, would let go of the rope. As things started to slip away in the second period, a Lakers team from December or January would have let things spiral and the starters would be on the bench in a blowout in the fourth.

Now, this is a team that keeps fighting. They not only got themselves back into the game on Monday but had chances to tie or win the game in the final seconds.

By definition, moral victories come with a bittersweet taste. But the Lakers should be able to take some away from Monday’s streak-snapping defeat.

So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.

29 minutes, 7 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 4 fouls, 3-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, -5

The Lakers didn’t have many options to put in the starting lineup with both Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura out, so I get turning to LaRavia, someone who has started earlier this season. However, it was a rough outing for him, particularly defensively.

39 minutes, 12 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, 4-10 FG, 1-2 3PT, 3-3 FT, -8

While LeBron is not one to really have a go at the officials — even if he’s not afraid for an initial complaint — I think he’s well within his rights to pick up a technical. There were a half-dozen plays on Monday where he had a legitimate claim for a foul that went by without a whistle.

27 minutes, 13 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 5-6 FG, 3-4 FT, -6

Both Lakers centers were solid on Monday. Ayton knocked down some clutch free throws late as well.

40 minutes, 24 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 7-15 FG, 2-6 3PT, 8-9 FT, -5

The bulk of Reaves’ scoring came in the third period. His only bucket in the fourth was a clutch one inside the final minute. Still, it’s hard to fault him for going 5-7 from the field for 16 points in a half.

39 minutes, 32 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 11-29 FG, 3-13 3PT, 7-8 FT, +7

Specific to this type of article, Luka can have some really funky games. In the first quarter, he had 17 points on 5-11 shooting. Over the next three quarters, he had 15 points on 6-18 shooting. On top of that, he had one field in the fourth and missed two shots in the last 30 seconds.

As good as he was to start, it tailed off pretty badly in the end. If anything, it looks like he’s tired, an understandable excuse at this point on the road trip.

28 minutes, 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1-5 FG, 1-5 3PT, 3-3 FT, +7

Kennard’s only make came in the first quarter, but he did draw a big shooting foul in the fourth. He also had a nice drive and dish that led to Ayton getting fouled and going to the line in the final minute.

15 minutes, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 fouls, 2-4 FG, 0-1 3PT, -2

Even if there weren’t injuries, this was a game that would have called for Vando. He had a respectable run and his energy was a plus.

21 minutes, 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 blocks, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 5-5 FG, 1-2 FT, +1

Like Ayton, Hayes had a strong game, particularly defensively with six stocks. He was so good on that end that I can excuse a couple of miscues offensively.

Thiero got a brief run in the first half that was a bit chaotic, as you’d expect. I would have liked to see a second stint, but I get why he didn’t in a tight second half.

Maxi made a cameo he did in Phoenix earlier this year by coming in for the final play and setting a hell of a screen. If LeBron’s inbound pass wasn’t tipped, it would have been an open look.

There’s probably a conversation to be had about the minutes the Lakers’ stars are playing. Austin has logged at least 38 minutes in the last nine games. Luka has played 37 minutes in eight of the last nine. LeBron’s minutes are a bit lower, but still safely north of 34 minutes on a nightly basis.

These next three games would be a really good time to cut down on those minutes before the run to the postseason.

Monday’s DNPs: Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Drew Timme

Monday’s inactives: Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Nick Smith Jr., Chris Mañon

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.