The Lakers handled business on Wednesday, defeating the Detroit Pistons 133-107 on the road to avenge a humiliating road setback to the Sixers.

Without a doubt, D’Angelo Russell had his greatest game of the season tonight, putting up 35 points, four rebounds, and nine assists. With 16 rebounds, Anthony Davis led the squad in rebounding and scored 28 points.

LeBron James was apathetic against the Sixers, but he was back to his productive self against the Pistons, scoring 25 points on 9-19 shooting and, more significantly, limiting his use to just 29 minutes of play.

Early on, both sides traded baskets, but D’Angelo Russell gave the Lakers a big boost with his 13 points on 6-6 shooting in the first quarter. For once in the first quarter, the Lakers were ahead after the quarter thanks to Russell’s early and frequent passes to Davis.

Russell was hot for the remainder of the half, making threes as soon as he was substituted back in. James also got rolling, finishing in the paint and stealthily gathering a few rebounds.

Following another Russell basket, the Lakers increased their lead to 19 and went into halftime with a decisive lead.

After James performed the “freeze” celebration in the third quarter, it was obvious that Detroit would not be able to win this game. Ames and Russell continued their onslaught. After another 10-0 run, the Lakers stretched their lead to 30 and kept it there for the remainder of the quarter. Russell nailed a stepback three to cap the quarter then put the cherry on top of the possession with an unbelievable crossover on Isaiah Livers.

With eight minutes remaining in the previous game, the Lakers emptied the bench and raised the white flag. They eliminated James tonight with nine minutes remaining, but this time it was to get some much-needed rest in an easy victory.

The only noteworthy event in the fourth for Los Angeles, which was essentially just running out of time, was Jalen Hood-Schifino scoring his first NBA points on a deep two and finishing with 10 points in his final 10 minutes of play.

Important lessons learned

Playing against a squad that has suffered 14 straight losses is the best way to find your rhythm. The Lakers defeated a poor club and secured the victory by doing exactly what was expected of them.

They will next travel to Oklahoma City to conclude their four-game road trip by playing the Thunder. If they win there, they will go 3-1 on this tour and the loss in Philadelphia will seem like a long time ago.