Bryant scores 28 points, Lakers beat Pistons 93-81

[December 21, 2009]  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant scored 28 points and helped the Los Angeles Lakers build a big lead in a 93-81 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.

The Lakers took the lead with an 11-0 run midway through the first quarter, started the second ahead by 12, had an 18-point lead at halftime and a 21-point cushion after three quarters.

Los Angeles closed a trip with a four-game winning streak and an NBA-best 22-4 record.

Rodney Stuckey scored 16 points, Swedish rookie Jonas Jerebko had 15 and rookie reserve Austin Daye added 10 points for the Pistons.

Three of Detroit's best players wore sportcoats: Richard Hamilton, Ben Gordon and Tayshaun Prince.

The Lakers, though, didn't have much sympathy because travel woes led to them getting to their Detroit-area hotel at 4 a.m. Sunday after beating the New Jersey Nets on Saturday night.

Bryant looked more awake late in the first quarter when the Pistons allowed him to rebound his own missed free throw by simply taking one step forward to get the bouncing ball and making a jumper for a 22-13 lead.

Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson seemed to be resting Bryant, Ron Artest and Pau Gasol for the final quarter, but put the trio back in with 5 minutes left and a 15-point lead.

Bryant likely gave Jackson what he was looking for, hustling to make a steal a couple minutes later and scoring on a layup.

Detroit pulled within eight points with 1:45 left, but Jackson called a timeout and Bryant made a shot, the Lakers made a stop and Gasol a layup to make it 93-81.

Detroit has lost four straight after winning five straight.

Andrew Bynum scored 16 points, Artest had 14 points and nine assists and Gasol added 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers.

Artest's recent comments about Ben Wallace added intrigue about the matchup, but it ended up being very uneventful.

Artest said he was still ready to fight Wallace -- the player who shoved him on the play that started the 2004 brawl with Pistons, Pacers and fans at The Palace -- in a Sporting News interview.

Before the game, Artest said he doesn't have a problem with Wallace or anyone in Detroit.

Artest was often booed when he had the ball, but that was the extent of the jeering while he and Wallace showed no signs of animosity on the court.

NOTES: The Pistons were without Hamilton (right hamstring), Gordon (left ankle) and Prince (back) because of nagging injuries. ... Bryant was called for a technical early in the second quarter, arguing about a call that didn't go his way. ... Larry Foote and Dewayne White of the Lions had front-row seats at the game, which started less than 2 hours after a loss to Arizona. ... The Pistons had won five straight at home.

[Associated Press; By LARRY LAGE]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.