Fresh off a blowout road win against the Washington Wizards, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to continue their Eastern Conference trip with a visit to the World’s Most Famous Arena.
For what many believe could be **LeBron James**’ final road appearance against the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden delivered the perfect stage.
Despite not having their second-leading scorer this season, Austin Reaves, the Lakers entered the night hoping to upset one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
“At this point, we have to consider that he’s day-to-day,” head coach JJ Redick said regarding Reaves’ potential return. The guard has been sidelined since December 25 due to a calf injury.
According to TickPick, the cheapest ticket for the game was priced at $455, making it the most expensive NBA game of the season. Fans didn’t want to miss Luka Dončić and LeBron James at MSG, but it was the Knicks’ depth that ultimately stole the show.
New York placed six players in double figures, led by OG Anunoby’s 25 points and Landry Shamet’s 23, securing a 112–100 victory and their sixth straight win.
Although the Lakers limited Jalen Brunson to just 12 points, the Knicks showed why, at full strength, they are among the elite teams in the conference.
Luka Magic in NYC
Luka Dončić still put on a show, finishing with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while even exchanging some friendly trash talk with Knicks superfan Spike Lee. LeBron James added 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure a second straight win for Los Angeles.
The Lakers will now face the Brooklyn Nets in the second game of their New York stint as they look to get back to winning ways. In the meantime, the Knicks will visit Capital One Arena to face the Wizards and then host the Denver Nuggets at MSG for yet another back-to-back in New York's schedule.