The reports of Kobe Bryant practicing already could give the Los Angeles Lakers the jolt they need. A match-up with the visiting Detroit Pistons, which they have beaten three straight times at Staples Center, could be a good opportunity for the rest of the Lakers to show how motivated they are for his possible early comeback.

The Lakers look to avoid a three-game losing streak onSunday night against a Pistons squad which has snapped their own four-game skid by winning at Sacramento on Friday.

The news out of Hollywood is that the Black Mamba has re-joined the team practices, although no timetable has been set for his actual return this season.

“He looked good and did a few moves I didn’t expect him to do right away,” said the other Lakers star, Pau Gasol, on the team’s official Web site. “I’m very happy for him and for us, and definitely looking forward to when he’ll play in a game.”

In the meantime, Gasol, who averages 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game for the season, will look to lead the Lakers to a win versus Detroit.

Lakers also need help from the other players as Steve Nash is out for at least two weeks with a nerve root inflammation. Shooting guard Jodie Meeks is the surprise top-scorer for L.A. dropping 13.3 PPG a night, and Nick Young contributes with 12.5 PPG.

Detroit is coming off a big win over the Kings, 97-90, and was led by Josh Smith, who had a monster outing with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocked shots. Rodney Stuckey came off the bench with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists and Andrew Drummond added 15 points and 18 rebounds.

Betting Against the Spread (ATS)
 Betting Line: Detroit Pistons (-2) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (O/U: 204.0)

Detroit Pistons Trends
 - Pistons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
- Pistons are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games on the road
- Pistons are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. West teams

Los Angeles Lakers Trends
 - Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. the Pistons at Staples Center
- Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games at home
- Lakers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games

Prediction: Detroit Pistons 98, Los Angeles Lakers 90. After snapping their four-game skid, all against quality teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder (119-110), Indiana Pacers (99-91), Portland Trail Blazers (109-103) and Golden State Warriors (113-95), the Pistons are poised to beat the lowly Lakers and also cover the spread. Most sportsbooks price Detroit as a 1.8 favorite to win straight up and -2 ATS. Despite the losing streak at Staples, both lines hold very good value for the Pistons.