The Knicks go sixth against the Lakers

A few moments later 2026 All-Star Game Substitution Announcementtwo teams with almost the same record, ie New York etc Los Angelesengage in a duel that is still very popular, in what may be LeBron James’ last appearance at Madison Square Garden.

They mostly dominate in the first half Lakers surprisingly very clean with the ball but only a short header. Luka Doncic is having fun on the floor, facing tough interior defense against him and Deandre Ayton, but Nix Stick with OG Anunoby and the contribution of the Landry Shamet/Tyler Kolek duo off the bench. Offensive jumps and 3-point baskets by the New Yorkers saved the furniture, in this rather pleasant beginning of the match (56-52).

Under the leadership of Karl-Anthony Towns, New York’s energy went up another notch after the break and, thanks to second chances and quick play in transition, the balance of power was logically reversed. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby continue to undermine the work of the attack, Luka Doncic remains motivated by Spike Lee in the first row, and LeBron James tries to revive Los Angeles, but the gang of Jaylen Branson, perfect in his role as a facilitator, separates (90-82).

Less and less accurate and more and more physically dominated, the Lakers see the deficit shrink by over ten, despite LeBron James. The spread is important, the offense is static and the defense is allowed, leaving OG Anunoby and especially Landry Shamet to punish multiple times, in the paint for one and from 3-point range for the other. Grogi, Luka Dončić’s teammates let him go in the second half and the Garden audience can rejoice (112-100).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

We’re not stopping New York. In front of a raucous crowd, no doubt fueled by the presence of LeBron James which caused ticket prices to spike, the Knicks held on for their sixth straight win. We had to wait until halftime to see how Mike Brown’s men made a difference, led by super OG Anunoby, and in addition to a great 3-point success (18/42), they made life easy after the break with dominance under the boards (14 offensive rebounds) and sharp play (16 points on the counter, 19 points off turnovers). A truly beautiful collective copy.

The Landry Shamet Spark. Jalen Brunson, clumsy (4/15) but involved in other sectors (7 rebounds, 13 assists), the Knicks needed someone to compensate for his rather unusual scoring contribution. It wasn’t Karl-Anthony Towns or Mikal Bridges who did it, but Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and especially Landry Shamet. Coming off the bench, the scorer lived up to his reputation (6/10 on 3-pointers), but before he took on the task of taking down the Lakers in the final minutes, he was also responsible for setting up a couple of bunts when the score was close in favor of the visitors.

The last of LeBron James in the garden ? At 41, LeBron James remains an All-Star, but we don’t know if he’ll return to New York in the future. In fact, it could be that this loss marks the end of his illustrious chapter at Madison Square Garden (32 games, including 23 wins) should he retire at the end of the season. “The King” will at least be credited with putting in a fair performance on offense, with clean shooting and a few well-felt turnovers, even if his defensive mistakes also tend to cost the Lakers a bit too many points. Either way, we’ll remember his alley-oop in the third quarter.

Think back to last year… The Lakers went to Madison Square Garden on February 1, 2025 (and won), before finding out a little later that night that Luka Doncic was coming from Dallas (in a trade for Anthony Davis). On February 1, 2026, the Lakers return to New York (but with a loss…) and with this little calendar coincidence, some have apparently envisioned another large-scale transfer in the process (for Giannis Antetokounmpo). so repeated twice ? We wouldn’t put our fingers in it…

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.