Pistons spoil Lakers' James' return, win 128-121

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James returned from injury on Tuesday night, but it was the Detroit Pistons who spoiled his comeback with a 128-121 victory at Little Caesars Arena.

Saddiq Bey led the Pistons with 30 points, while Jerami Grant added 23 points and 10 rebounds and Isaiah Stewart had 19 points and 12 rebounds. James finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his return from a sprained ankle, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Lakers from falling to 25-29 on the season.

The Pistons, who snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory, improved to 15-38.

The game was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. The Pistons grabbed a 10-point lead in the third quarter, but the Lakers rallied to go back in front. The Pistons regained a 4 point edge early in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers made a final run, and James hit a three pointer to make 125-121 with 1:49 left. But the Pistons held on for the win, hitting three free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

The Pistons were able to take advantage of the Lakers' poor outside shooting. Although the Lakers shot well inside, in part thanks to James' return, they shot just 23.8% from 3-point range while making only 10 of 42 attempts.

The Pistons, meanwhile, shot 35.4% from 3-point range, making 17 of 48 attempts.

Bey hit 6 of 12 from distance while Grant was 3 of 10.

The Pistons also won the rebounding battle, outrebounding the Lakers 50-38.

James led the Lakers in scoring, followed by Anthony Davis, who had 23 points and nine rebounds.

Russell Westbrook added 18 points and nine assists, but he also had seven turnovers.

The Lakers have now lost four of their last five games and are in danger of falling out of playoff contention.

The Pistons, meanwhile, have won two of their last three games and are hoping to make a late-season push for a playoff spot.