Mar 24, 2026
Pistons Stun Lakers Despite LeBron James, Luka Doncic
Merlin sees the Lakers’ nine-game win streak snapped 113-110 in Detroit after Daniss Jenkins hit the go-ahead bucket. The box score felt odd and dramatic: LeBron was held to "zero points in the first half" but finished with 12 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, while Luka Dončić poured in 32 points. The Pistons played without Cade Cunningham, who is sidelined with a collapsed lung. Merlin senses this as a small stumble more than a collapse. Los Angeles climbed to third in the West on a hot run powered by Dončić’s March scoring surge and LeBron’s veteran steadiness. Defensive lapses and an early slowdown from James cost them, yet a friendlier stretch versus the Pacers, Nets and Wizards gives the team a clear path back to form.
🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction
Odds the Lakers win their next three games: 75%.
