Lakers lose to Detroit in overtime, 88-85, as Kobe Bryant struggles
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Kobe Bryant experienced a rough shooting night as he switched between two new protective masks.
The Lakers were ragged too, losing to the Detroit Pistons in overtime, 88-85, Tuesday at The Palace.
Bryant made only eight of 26 shots and had 22 points as the Lakers’ modest three-game winning streak ended. He had been playing well since sustaining a broken nose but stalled out Tuesday.
He ditched the clear plastic mask he wore the previous three games for a black mask with smaller dimensions. He started out one for six and traded that mask for a smaller clear version of the one he wore in recent games.
It didn’t help either. He was two for 10 at halftime and never found a rhythm until sending the game to overtime by nailing 19-footer as time expired. He was seven for 22 before that shot. He missed all three of his shots in overtime, which started with the score tied at 78.
The Lakers couldn’t stop Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey, who had 34 points and made 11 of 20 shots. The Pistons are 13-26.
The Lakers wasted Andrew Bynum’s effort of 30 points and 14 rebounds.
The Lakers (23-15) have two more games on their three-game trip: Wednesday in Washington and Friday in Minnesota.
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