The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks on March 8, 2026, despite missing LeBron James due to injuries. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 35 points and eight rebounds, while the Knicks struggled with poor three-point shooting. This win marked the Lakers' fourth straight victory.
In a game played in Los Angeles, the Lakers maintained control throughout, never trailing the Knicks. Austin Reaves contributed 25 points, and Rui Hachimura added 13 for the home team. The Lakers built a 19-point lead entering the fourth quarter, fueled by a 20-8 run that included an impressive fallaway three-pointer from Doncic. He finished with 28 points through three quarters, following his 44-point performance against Indiana two nights prior.
The Knicks mounted a comeback attempt in the final period, reducing the deficit to 10 points. However, they managed only one basket from the Lakers during a 6.5-minute stretch and committed eight turnovers. New York's shooting woes were evident, hitting just 8 of 34 three-point attempts. Jalen Brunson scored 10 of his 24 points in the fourth, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 25 points and 16 rebounds. Mikal Bridges went scoreless in 27 minutes of play.
Luke Kennard hit a three-pointer with 1:37 remaining, and Doncic sealed the win with his fifth three at 1:05 left. James sat out his second consecutive game with a bruised left elbow and a left foot injury. The Knicks, who had won impressively at Denver to start their five-game road trip, dropped to 4-2 in their last six games.
Upcoming, the Knicks face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, and the Lakers host Minnesota on Tuesday.
