The Los Angeles Lakers have had an up and down 2025-26 season as they show flashes of brilliance just to follow it up with letdown performances. The Lakers had no issues dispatching the Indiana Pacers, but there was understandably some concern how they would respond when they hosted the New York Knicks in a primetime matinee matchup on Sunday.
New York entered the matchup winners of four out of five, so Los Angeles needed to come out of the gates on a positive note. From the opening tip, the Lakers were intent on playing with physicality and effort on the defensive end as they matched the Knicks’ usual style of play.
It wasn’t the prettiest game as both teams saw their fair share of struggles shooting the basketball, but Los Angeles’ defense was a sight to behold as they fought tooth and nail on every possession. Even when New York managed to score, it often came against resistance until the end of the shot clock.
The Knicks threatened the Lakers with a fourth quarter run, but the latter hit enough shots in the clutch to pull away with a 110-97 victory.
With LeBron James ruled out just before the game, Luka Doncic was tasked with a heavier offensive burden. Doncic was coming off a 44-point performance against the Pacers but had a relatively slow start shooting the basketball in the first quarter.
However, Doncic eventually found his rhythm on the floor as he used the Knicks’ own aggressive against them by drawing fouls or finding open teammates. Doncic also made several highlight-reel shots, including a one-legged 3-pointer over OG Anunoby that even he had to smile about.
Efficiency wasn’t necessarily there for Doncic as he shot 11-of-25 from the field but he still scored a game-high 35 points to go along with eight rebounds and four assists.
Austin Reaves had been struggling shooting the basketball the past few games, but he finally broke out of his slump with his performance against New York. With Doncic drawing so much defensive attention, Reaves assumed more playmaking duties and was able to find his creases in the Knicks defense.
Like Doncic, Reaves was masterful whenever he had control of the basketball as he either got all the way to the basket to score or dish out to teammates. Reaves was second on the team in scoring with 25 points but he also added five assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
What’s next for the Lakers
The Lakers have another tough matchup at home on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves before seeing the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
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