New York: The Los Angeles Lakers finally resembled the team many expected they would be as they blasted the Detroit Pistons 108-79 on Sunday to end their early-season slide.
The Lakers had begun the new season 0-3 for the first time since 1978, a surprising development for a team who acquired All Stars Dwight Howard and Steve Nash in the off-season.
On Sunday, however, they shook off the rust against the Pistons as Howard scored a game-high 28 points and Metta World Peace (previously known as Ron Artest Jnr.) 18 as Los Angeles quickly dominated by grabbing a 21-point lead after the first quarter.
“We weren’t perfect, but I think everybody got a little taste in terms of what (we) can be like,” Lakers coach Mike Brown said. “I’m really excited about the direction of where we can go. We’re just barely scratching the surface.”
The chemistry problems that had plagued the Lakers, who include Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant, in previous games was not an issue as they tallied 27 assists.
Bryant had eight assists to go along with 15 points and seven rebounds.
