Trending Now - Lakers Win Against Knicks Without Lebron James
WHO:
Los Angeles Lakers
New York Knicks
LeBron James, player for the Lakers
Luka Dončić, player for the Lakers
Austin Reaves, player for the Lakers
Rui Hachimura, player for the Lakers
Deandre Ayton, player for the Lakers
Marcus Smart, player for the Lakers
JJ Redick, coach of the Lakers
Nikola Jokic, player for the Denver Nuggets
WHAT:
The Lakers defeated the Knicks 110-97 on March 5th, 2026.
LeBron James was a late scratch due to a left elbow contusion and arthritis in his left foot.
Luka Dončić scored 35 points, had 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Austin Reaves scored 25 points, had 5 assists, and 3 steals.
The Knicks had 19 turnovers and were held to 42.7% shooting.
The Lakers improved to 9-2 this season when Reaves and Dončić play together without James.
Rui Hachimura scored 13 points in place of James.
The Lakers were 4-12 against teams with a .600 winning percentage or better prior to this game.
WHERE:
The game took place in Los Angeles.
WHEN:
The game occurred on March 5th, 2026.
LeBron James missed his second consecutive game on March 5th, 2026.
James was injured on March 3rd, 2026, during a game against the Denver Nuggets.
WHY:
The Lakers aimed to improve their performance against good teams as they approached the postseason.
The team defense was emphasized by coach JJ Redick as a key to their success against the Knicks.
HOW:
The Lakers utilized strong team defense to limit the Knicks' scoring and forced 19 turnovers.
Players like Dončić, Reaves, and Smart made sacrificial plays, including taking charges against Knicks players.
(UPDATED March 9, 2026 13:19 UTC)
On March 5, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a solid victory over the New York Knicks, winning 110 to 97, despite LeBron James being sidelined with an elbow contusion and foot arthritis. Luka Dončić led the charge with 35 points, while Austin Reaves contributed 25 points, showcasing strong teamwork that helped the Lakers improve to 9-2 this season when they play without James. The Lakers' defense was key in the win, forcing 19 turnovers from the Knicks and emphasizing the importance of team effort as they gear up for the postseason.