The Lakers, losers of three out of their last four games, were trying to rebound at the Palace in Auburn Hills Thursday night, and they almost did.

Tayshaun Prince's clutch three with 4.5 seconds left was the difference maker in this contest. The Lakers had a shot to win it but Lamar Odom's jumper hit nothing but air.

Kobe Bryant led all Lakers in points (39) and rebounding (10). It was Kobe's sixth straight double-double. Technically, Kobe had a triple-double with a career high 11 turnovers (all committed before the third quarter).

Tayshaun Prince led all Pistons' players with 22 points. Kobe received little help from the starting with only 31 points combined on 9-26 shooting. Kobe shot 12-25 from the floor.

In this game, the usual mellow heads Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups picked up technicals after arguing with refs over cheap fouls. The Pistons margin grew to 17 in the game but they went through their trademark mental lapse midway through the third —allowing the Lakers to take control of the game.

Despite the Lakers poor shooting, the game was close as they led 72-67 at the start of the fourth quarter. In the end, the Lakers' perimeter defense proved to be costly as the Pistons made shot after shot when it counted and out-rebounded the Lakers 20-12 in the quarter—including six offensives. The sixth happened to be the most important, as it allowed Prince to connect on the game winning three.