Lakers defeat Pistons, 106-102, with long-range shooting

AUBURN HILLS -- The Lakers were dominated in the paint, practically embarrassed, but still beat the Detroit Pistons.

Nick Young, of all people, drew a charge on Detroit power forward Josh Smith with 1.9 seconds left and the Lakers snared a 106-102 victory Friday at The Palace.

Young, known much more for his high-volume shooting than his defense, then made two free throws to seal the victory, pushing the Lakers to 9-8 overall and 2-1 on their three-game road trip.

The Pistons had 76 points in the paint while the Lakers had only 28.

But the Pistons made only one of eight from three-point range while the Lakers made 14 of 31.

Wesley Johnson had 27 points and Shawne Williams had 20 off the bench for the Lakers. Young finished with 12 points. Pau Gasol had 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Rodney Stuckey had 22 points and Greg Monroe and Brandon Jennings each had 19 for Detroit, which fell to 6-10.

Pistons 87, Lakers 77 (end of third quarter)

Wesley Johnson has 27 points through three quarters but the Lakers can’t stop the Detroit Pistons down low and trail, 87-77, on Friday at The Palace.

The Pistons have an incredible 66 points in the paint. The Lakers have only 20 and aren’t getting blown out mainly because of their three-point shooting.

Johnson has made six of seven from behind the arc, tying a career high, and has already established the second-best scoring night of his career. The Lakers have made 10 of 24 three-point shots while the Pistons are one for seven.

The Lakers are getting burned down low by power forward Greg Monroe (19 points) and center Andre Drummond, who has 13 points in only 16 minutes because of foul trouble.

Pau Gasol has 12 points on five-for-13 shooting, and Jordan Hill has two points in 14 minutes.

Lakers 56, Pistons 55 (halftime)

Thanks to some three-point prowess, the Lakers lead the Detroit Pistons at halftime, 56-55, on Friday at The Palace.

The Lakers have made eight of 17 three-point attempts (47.1%) while the Pistons have missed all six of their attempts from behind the arc.

Wesley Johnson has 18 points, making four of five from long distance and finishing the second quarter on an impressive play. Wesley dunked a perfectly lobbed pass from Steve Blake, who was inbounding the ball in front of the Lakers’ bench.

The Lakers haven’t done well on the road this season, going 2-5, though they beat Brooklyn on Wednesday, 99-94.

Pistons power forward Greg Monroe has 15 points on seven-for-10 shooting and center Andre Drummond has 10 points and seven rebounds.

Pau Gasol has six points on two-for-seven shooting and Jordan Hill has two points and two rebounds.

Pistons 32, Lakers 31 (end of first quarter)

Andre Drummond has eight points and the Detroit Pistons lead the Lakers at the end of the first quarter, 32-31, Friday at The Palace.

Wesley Johnson has eight points for the Lakers, who are 1-1 on their three-game road trip.

The Lakers have made five of 10 three-point shots, including a buzzer-beater by Jordan Farmar to end the quarter.

Jordan Hill had another quiet first quarter, going scorless with only one rebound in six minutes.

The Lakers beat the Pistons at Staples Center, 116-99, less than two weeks ago.

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