The Los Angeles Lakers finally finished their annual Grammy road trip this past week, capping it off with an easy win against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Lakers went 5-3 on their eight-game road trip, a solid record considering they didn’t have Austin Reaves until the finale against the Nets. The win against Brooklyn was much-needed as Los Angeles fell short against the New York Knicks in primetime, failing to score much in the second half.
Although Los Angeles lost, the game itself was entertaining as the two teams battled back and forth in the first half. Despite the second half letdown from the Lakers, it was still an electric environment at Madison Square Garden.
The television ratings reflected the excitement in the arena as the game pulled in plenty of viewers, via NBC Sports PR:
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) February 4, 2026
It’s no surprise that a marquee matchup between the most popular teams in the NBA would draw in huge ratings, but even these numbers are relatively surprising. The league’s return to NBC has been a widely positive experience, and the network has to be pleased with the viewership they’ve received throughout the 2025-26 season.
Los Angeles and New York boast several stars like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns between them, but their respective fan bases are also as rabid and dedicated as they come. With both squads still firmly in the playoff mix, fans are invested in the regular season and where they might end up in the standings once the postseason rolls around.
Unlike the Lakers, the Knicks have a legitimate shot to represent a weaker Eastern Conference in the Finals. While they haven’t been quite as good as expected, no one is discounting New York to make a run with their current roster.
Los Angeles has clear holes on its roster and could retool at the trade deadline, but all indications are that they’ll wait until the summer to make a splash. The NBA would surely enjoy having at least one of their big-market teams playing in the Finals, so it’ll be interesting to see where the Lakers and Knicks land at the end of the season.
Lakers’ LeBron James says it means everything to play at Madison Square Garden
LeBron James makes it a point to show out whenever he plays the Knicks as Madison Square Garden is still regarded as The Mecca for basketball. Following the game against the Knicks, James said it means everything to play at MSG.
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