The Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, Dec. 30, has been picked up by NBC Sports for a primetime slot at 7:30 p.m. PT, the NBA announced.
The matchup will be televised by NBC and streamed on Peacock as part of a doubleheader that includes the Philadelphia 76ers facing the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Pistons-Lakers game is replacing the previously scheduled Sacramento Kings-Los Angeles Clippers matchup on NBC Sports, which will now only be broadcast locally.
That doesn’t come as much of a surprise with the Kings and Clippers both struggling through the first few weeks of the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Lakers and Pistons have been two of the better teams in all of basketball. Detroit currently leads the Eastern Conference with a 20-5 record, while L.A. has jumped out to a 17-7 start behind the contributions of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Also of note, the matchup between the Lakers and Pistons is set to take place on LeBron James’ 41st birthday. James will become one of only 12 players in NBA history to play at such an age.
The four-time MVP, now in his 23rd NBA season, is averaging 16.5 points, 7.6 assists and six rebounds in eight games thus far.
Lakers’ LeBron James humbled to pass Robert Parish for second on NBA’s all-time wins list
LeBron James had largely looked mortal since making his 2025-26 season debut, but he finally broke out in the Lakers’ win against the Philadelphia 76ers last week.
LeBron hit several clutch 3-pointers, including the dagger that secured the victory for Los Angeles. After the game, James noted he felt like himself, a positive sign for the team moving forward.
The win served as another accomplishment for LeBron, who passed Robert Parish for second place on the NBA’s all-time wins list (1,015). James said afterward that he is humbled to be mentioned alongside some of the greatest players in NBA history.
Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leads all players with 1,074 wins during the regular season. James is just 60 wins away from becoming the all-time leader.
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