Bryant helps Lakers beat Pistons 106-96

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Kobe Bryant scored all 12 of his points in a row, leading an impressive flurry in the third quarter that sent the Los Angeles Lakers over the Detroit Pistons 106-96 on Tuesday night.

The Pistons held Bryant scoreless in the first half, but still lost their ninth in a row.

Bryant began the day as the NBA's leading scorer at almost 27 points per game. His burst in the third helped the Lakers to an 81-65 lead heading into the final period.

Los Angeles had six players score in double figures, including each of its starters. Jordan Hill scored 22 points, and reserve Nick Young had 19.

Josh Smith led Detroit with 18 points, and Andre Drummond added eight points and 13 rebounds. The Pistons have lost by an average of nearly 10 points per game during their skid.

Carlos Boozer hit the first three baskets of the game for the Lakers while Bryant struggled. Bryant missed all five of his shots in the first half, and also had five turnovers and two fouls.

The Lakers led 46-45 at the break, and the Pistons hurt themselves early in the third quarter when Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy were called for technical fouls.

Bryant then took over, scoring the next dozen points for the Lakers and drawing huge cheers from the many Los Angeles fans in attendance. By the time he was done, the Lakers led 70-54.

TIP-INS

Lakers: Improved to 4-0 against Eastern Conference teams this season. ... Bryant finished with fewer than 20 points in a game for just the third time this season. ... The Lakers have won consecutive games (including a 129-122 overtime victory over Toronto on Nov. 30) for the second time this season.

Pistons: Have lost five in a row to the Lakers and 10 of the last 11.

UP NEXT

Lakers play at Washington on Wednesday.

Pistons play at Boston on Wednesday.