LOS ANGELES — Behind 35 points from Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 110–97 on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.
But more importantly for Los Angeles, the win represented something larger. With a challenging schedule ahead filled with playoff-caliber opponents, the Lakers delivered a gritty performance against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams — a type of win that could help reshape the narrative surrounding the team’s ability to beat elite competition.
Head coach JJ Redick anticipated that type of battle even before tipoff. With the early start time following the daylight saving time change, Redick mentioned in his postgame interview that he expected a slower and more physical game. “This wasn’t going to be an offense game,” Redick said pregame. “It was going to be a gritty, tough game that we had to win with effort.”
The Lakers embraced that mindset early, leaning on their defense and physicality to control the tempo.
The New York Knicks entered the night 41–23 and third in the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers came in 38–25 and sixth in the West.
Los Angeles was without LeBron James, who sat out with a left elbow contusion and left ankle arthritis. That moved Rui Hachimura into the starting lineup alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton.
With 19 games remaining in the regular season, one of the key questions surrounding the Lakers is who will emerge as the team’s fourth scoring option down the stretch. Players like Hachimura and Ayton have opportunities to step into that role during a challenging final stretch of the schedule.
The Los Angeles Lakers opened the game with strong defensive intensity, jumping out to a quick 5–0 lead while holding the New York Knicks scoreless on their first four shots.
Deandre Ayton made his presence felt early on the defensive end with multiple blocks, including a rejection of Karl-Anthony Towns. Ayton later finished an alley-oop from Luka Dončić as Los Angeles pushed its advantage to 11–4 early in the period.
The Knicks responded after a timeout with improved defense and shot-making to close the gap, but the Lakers maintained control and ended the quarter with a 31–23 lead.
The Los Angeles Lakers extended their lead to as many as nine points early in the second quarter and went on a 7–0 run to create separation midway through the period. Los Angeles built its advantage to 46–33 with 5:45 remaining behind consistent defensive pressure.
However, turnovers began to slow the Lakers’ momentum late in the half. The New York Knicks closed the final six minutes on a 16–8 run, cutting the deficit to five points before halftime.
Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 17 points at the break as Los Angeles carried a 54–49 lead into halftime.
Throughout the first half, the Lakers established the type of identity they will likely need during the final stretch of the season — physical defense, controlled pace, and balanced scoring. Against a Knicks team that prefers to play faster, Los Angeles dictated the tempo and forced New York into difficult possessions.
The Los Angeles Lakers opened the second half with strong execution on both ends of the floor. Three-pointers from Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sparked a 12–2 run that helped Los Angeles extend its lead midway through the quarter.
Despite dealing with discomfort in his hand after an earlier injury, Dončić continued to attack offensively and paced the Lakers throughout the period. The Lakers’ ball movement consistently created open looks, while Rui Hachimura added key contributions as the lead grew.
Hustle plays also proved important late in the quarter, including an offensive rebound by Jake LaRavia that led to a Dončić three-pointer. The Lakers finished the period on a 7–0 run and carried their largest lead of the night to that point into the fourth quarter, leading the New York Knicks 88–69. Dončić scored 14 points in the third quarter alone.
The New York Knicks attempted to rally early in the fourth quarter, using a 16–4 run to trim the deficit to 101–90. A three-pointer from Karl-Anthony Towns later cut the lead to ten with just over two minutes remaining.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers quickly responded. Luke Kennard knocked down a timely three-pointer, and Dončić later sealed the victory with another deep shot with just over a minute remaining.
Behind strong performances from Dončić and Reaves, the Lakers closed out a 110–97 victory over the Knicks. Dončić finished with 35 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Reaves added 25 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Hachimura also made a strong impact with 13 points and seven rebounds, helping the Lakers secure their fifth win in their last six games.
With several tough matchups still ahead, Sunday’s win could serve as an important step for the Los Angeles Lakers as they continue their push in the Western Conference standings. Los Angeles will not have much time to celebrate, however, as they prepare for another challenge Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team currently ahead of them in the standings and another key test during the final stretch of the regular season.
Notable Stats of the Game
Luka Dončić: 35 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Austin Reaves: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Rui Hachimura: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns: 25 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists
Jalen Brunson: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
Upcoming Game for the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers (39-25) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24)
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Location: Crypto.com Arena • Los Angeles, CA.
Tip-Off: 8PM PST/ 11PM EST
