Ranking Kobe Bryant's top 10 games against the Detroit Pistons

Ranking Kobe Bryant’s top 10 games against the Detroit Pistons

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 6: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers removes his protective mask during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 6, 2012 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by J. Dennis/Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

4. November 17, 2009

Whereas the middle of the aughts saw the Detroit Pistons trending upwards and the Los Angeles Lakers downward, the end of that same decade saw those organization trajectories reversed.

The Lakers’ soft rebuild earned them am NBA title in 2009, and the Pistons would meet the Lakers early in the following year with the 7-3 Lakers continuing their momentum and the Pistons with an unimpressive 5-5 record.

More. Pistons' top 5 power forwards in franchise history. light

Besides Bryant, the Lakers were now led by Metta World Peace, Lamar Odom, and Pau Gasol (who did not play in this game). This compared to the Pistons, who were led by names such as Jonas Jerebko and Charlie Villanueva.

Unsurprisingly, the Lakers would go on to defeat the Pistons 106-93 behind 40 points from Kobe.

Again, Bryant put on display just how crucial he was to the Lakers offensive production. He would be used at a rate of 37.8% and his team-high 40 points were 23 more than Andrew Bynum’s 17, the Lakers’ second highest scorer that game.

To his 40 points, Kobe would add five rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

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