Anthony Davis Hyped as DPOY by NBA Fans After LeBron James, Lakers Crush Pistons

It took longer than their fans would have wanted, but the Los Angeles Lakers look like they are starting to put things together for the stretch run this season.

The Lakers earned their fifth win in the last six games with Tuesday's 125-111 win over the Detroit Pistons. All five starters scored at least 15 points, led by LeBron James with 25 on 9-of-15 shooting.

The star of the game was Anthony Davis, who strengthened his status as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in 28 minutes.

Davis provided one of the best highlights of the season in the third quarter. He was alone against three Pistons after a turnover, but Jaden Ivey's attempt to attack the basket ended badly for him.

James told reporters after the game leaving Davis alone against three Pistons was a test of his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy.

While that might be James trying to cover up the fact that no one else on the team hustled back on defense, Davis made him look smart because now he's got a highlight-reel moment when the media is voting on awards at the end of the regular season.

At the very least, Davis has a lot of support from James and Lakers nation to be the Defensive Player of the Year after what he showed on Tuesday night.

After sitting out back-to-back games against the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics due to hip and Achilles injuries, Davis has returned to the lineup with a vengeance. The nine-time All-Star is averaging 22.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.4 blocks per game in his last five starts.

The Lakers are 4-1 during this stretch with their only loss coming against the Denver Nuggets.

Tuesday's victory over the Pistons moved the Lakers three games over .500 (29-26) for the first time since Dec. 18. They are still sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference, but they are only four games back in the loss column of the Phoenix Suns in the No. 6 seed.

The Lakers will wrap up their pre-All-Star schedule on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center.