LeBron James, Anthony Davis bring star power to LCA

It’s a busy sports day in Detroit, with the Detroit Lions trying to hold onto slim NFL playoff hopes and hosting the division-leading Minnesota Vikings. A few hours later, the Pistons will host one of the game’s most iconic players for the once-a-year-trip to Little Caesars Arena, as LeBron James and the Lakers don the purple and gold in Detroit. Game info and live updates below.

You may recall the last time the Lakers were here: Bloody Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, when Isaiah Stewart chased James around the court in a stunning rage in the third quarter, bulldozing over anyone in his way. He was ejected, though only suspended two games, and much was said and written in the following days. The Lakers won the matchup by the way, 121-116, when the Pistons blew a 17-point second-half lead. James was suspended one game for his flying fist that caught Stewart over his right eye. But Cade Cunningham, who continues to be sidelined with a shin injury, isn’t in uniform this time to hold Stewart back. Let’s hope everyone makes up this time.

The Lakers started the season 2-10, but have played better the past month under first-year coach Darvin Ham, led by Anthony Davis. They defeated the Pistons in mid-November in LA, 128-121, without James − Davis dominated with 38 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks, making 18 of 21 free throws. Now, Detroit is the last stop on LA’s six-game road trip, and it has lost the past three (Cleveland, Toronto, Philadelphia) after knocking off Milwaukee and Washington to start. The Lakers have ground to make up at 13th in the Western Conference, three games out of the play-in tournament.

Davis, 29, is playing excellently, averaging 27.5 points on a career-best 59.3% shooting, along with 12.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks.

James, whose offensive game has become more 3-point reliant the past few seasons, continues to defy time, as he turns 38 in a few weeks. He’s collecting 25.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game…