NEW YORK — Exactly 12 months after acquiring Luka Doncic in a stunning deadline deal, the Los Angeles Lakers returned to Madison Square Garden on Sunday night and fell to the New York Knicks, 112-100, prompting a midseason check on the franchise’s title ambitions.
Doncic, who arrived from the Dallas Mavericks with Maxi Kleber on Feb. 1, 2025, delivered 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in the anniversary matchup but said the group still has room to grow. “I think we’re in a good spot,” the All-Star starter said. “Obviously, got some work to do … but I think we have a great group.”
LeBron James, announced earlier in the day as an All-Star reserve, echoed the optimism while noting the roster’s injury issues. “We’ve had some really good moments. We have some not so good moments,” he said. “It’s been tough all season as far as dealing with injuries.”
The most significant absence is Austin Reaves. Averaging a career-best 26.6 points, the guard missed his 19th consecutive game with a strained left calf and was left off the Western Conference All-Star roster. Head coach JJ Redick labeled Reaves “day-to-day” and hopes to have him back Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Reaves, James and Doncic have shared the floor in only eight of Los Angeles’ 48 contests. Despite the revolving lineup, the Lakers stand at 29-19, slightly ahead of last season’s 28-19 record after a Feb. 1 victory in the same arena.
Doncic understands Reaves’ situation firsthand; a similar calf strain sidelined him for 22 straight games immediately after last season’s trade. “It’s not an easy injury,” he said. “We just want him to be healthy. If he’s not ready, don’t come back.”
With Thursday’s trade deadline approaching, Redick said the organization will evaluate opportunities but praised the current locker room. “We’re right there in the playoff chase in the West,” he noted. “Whether you’re a GM, a coach or a player, you’re never going to look at a roster and say, ‘This is perfect.’ The guys have done a great job over the last month of playing for each other.”
Source: ESPN
