Detroit Pistons: 3 things I’d love to see against the hated Lakers

If you are a fan of the Detroit Pistons you should hate the Los Angeles Lakers.

Most of you are too young to really hate the Lakers, as the Pistons haven’t been competitive in so long it is hard to have rivalries.

But there is still plenty of reason to hate them. If you don’t know what I am talking about, then Google “1988 Finals Lakers Pistons” and see what I mean.

Not only was there one of the worst foul calls in the history of the Finals, but the Lakers’ fans stormed the court while the game was still being played, allowing an egregious foul to go unnoticed. If the equivalent happened today, Twitter would explode.

The Pistons got their revenge the next season by sweeping the dreaded Lakers, then got some more in 2004 but I’ll never get over how close Detroit was to a 3-peat.

History lesson concluded. Hate the Lakers, kids, it’s your birthright as a Pistons fan.

Here are three things I’d love to see tonight.

Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 3 things I’d love to see

Stop the former Pistons

Kenatvious Caldwell-Pope was very good for the Lakers last year in the Finals and he has been very good to start this season, shooting 50 percent from long range.

Markieff Morris has not shot the ball well this season but is still a big part of the Lakers’ bench.

Since stopping LeBron James and Anthony Davis is pretty much impossible, the only way to beat the Lakers is to stop everyone else, as Philly did last night in their win over LA.

The Lakers got 57 points from James and Davis but nothing from anyone else, including a combined seven points from KCP and Morris.

Stop the former Pistons and Detroit has a fighting chance in this one, let KCP hit a bunch of 3-point shots and there is no chance.

A passing Delon

Delon Wright has grown on me this season.

He’s been excellent over the last several games, getting into the lane for his own shot and also setting up his teammates. Wright has had six, nine and seven assists in the last three games, which were his best as a Piston.

However, Delon Wright also takes a lot of bad shots when he gets into the lane and sometimes dribbles the ball too much, slowing down the offense.

When Delon Wright looks to pass first, the Pistons’ offense is a lot better, as he is very good at getting into the lane and collapsing the defense, as he did several times in the Pistons’ 16-4 run against Cleveland.

Take the shots when they are there, but keep passing Delon, it makes the whole team better.

A good game from Beef Stew

Isaiah Stewart has been struggling with his shot over the last few games, missing several bunnies at the rim, rushing things and generally looking uncomfortable with the ball.

Stewart had six rebounds and a steal against the Cavs but he also missed all six of his shots, most of which were at point-blank range.

As I said, Stewart seems to be rushing things, which is not uncommon for a rookie. It would be nice to see him relax against the Lakers, get back to doing what he does best (rebound, defend) and knock down a couple of shots to get going.

Montrezl Harrell should be a decent matchup for Beef Stew, so let’s hope he breaks out of his funk.

The Detroit Pistons continue to tank and are well-situated to get a top pick, but a win against the Lakers is always the desired outcome, so let’s hope the Pistons get back on track against their old rival.