The Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absence of LeBron James on Sunday, defeating the New York Knicks 110-97 at Crypto.com Arena behind standout performances from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
James sat out with an injury, prompting head coach Darvin Ham to insert Rui Hachimura into the starting lineup. Despite the lineup change, Los Angeles seized control early, closing the first quarter ahead 31-23 after Luke Kennard buried a corner three-pointer.
Doncic orchestrated the offense with timely passes and tough shots, finishing the opening half in double figures. Reaves, who had struggled to assert himself in recent games, opened the afternoon by converting three free throws after a foul on a 3-point attempt and immediately followed with a make from deep.
New York briefly swung momentum midway through the first period when Jaxson Hayes was whistled for an offensive foul that nullified a Kennard triple. Hayes then drew a technical, and the Knicks answered with a three of their own to complete a seven-point exchange. Los Angeles still entered halftime up 54-49.
The Lakers rebuilt a double-digit cushion to start the third quarter as Doncic and Reaves connected from long range. Marcus Smart anchored a stifling defensive stretch, and Doncic capped the frame with a pair of acrobatic finishes to give L.A. an 88-69 lead entering the fourth.
Kennard’s four-point play and another Reaves three pushed the margin to 23 early in the final period. The Knicks responded with a 12-2 run, but Doncic steadied Los Angeles by hitting a mid-range jumper through two defenders and drawing a charge on the ensuing possession. Both teams cooled off offensively down the stretch, allowing the Lakers to secure the win without a serious late threat.
Los Angeles continues its four-game homestand this week, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
Source: LakersNation.com
