Lakers vs. Pistons game preview: injuries, odds, how to watch

The King will celebrate his 41^st birthday on the hardwood.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, Dec. 30, as James will try to become the ninth player in NBA history to score a point after turning 41 years old. But this game isn’t just about James; the Lakers have hit something of a skid and have the Pistons, the East’s No. 1 team at 24-8, coming into Los Angeles.

The Lakers have lost three of their last four and six of their last 11, and the offense has dragged. After a 23-point loss Christmas Day against the Rockets, Lakers coach JJ Redick ripped his team’s performance and said the Lakers would be having an “uncomfortable” team meeting. Many of the issues stem from the ball stagnating when both James and star guard Luka Dončić are on the floor.

Los Angeles (20-10) responded with a 24-point victory Sunday, Dec. 28 against the Kings, James’ final game as a 40-year-old.

Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday night’s matchup between the Lakers and Pistons.

Lakers vs. Pistons injury report

(Updated 10:45 a.m. ET)

Lakers: Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness; out), Austin Reaves (left calf strain; out), Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain; out)

Pistons: Caris LeVert (left knee soreness; doubtful), Isaac Jones (G League assignment; out), Bobi Klintman (G League assignment; out), Wendell Moore Jr. (G League – two-way; out), Tolu Smith (G League – two-way; out)

How to watch Lakers vs. Pistons: TV channel, live stream

• Start time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California)
• TV Channel: NBC
• Live stream: Peacock; Fubo

Lakers vs. Pistons odds

• Spread: Pistons by 2.5 (-115)
• Over/Under: 232.5 (O/U -115)
• Moneyline: Lakers +125

Lakers next five games

• Jan. 2 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
• Jan. 4 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
• Jan. 6 at New Orleans Pelicans
• Jan. 7 at San Antonio Spurs
• Jan. 9 vs. Milwaukee Bucks