LeBron makes what might be his final appearance at MSG when the Lakers visit the Knicks tonight.
Tonight, Madison Square Garden lights up with an NBA showdown. The New York Knicks (32-16) welcome the Los Angeles Lakers (27-19) in a clash of titans. The Knicks are on fire with a five-game winning streak. Tonight’s opponent has also been impressive of late, winning seven of their last 10 games.
The two teams have yet to clash this season. They haven’t met since February 3, 2024, when the Knicks fell to the purple and gold, 113 to 105.
Los Angeles rates in the middle of the pack for points per game (111.8), offensive and net ratings. Their defense rates 20th in the league, and their pace is 22nd.
The Lakers, sitting fifth in the Western Conference, face a tough challenge tonight—not even factoring in the injury report. Anthony Davis, crucial for his team’s success on both ends of the floor, is sidelined with an abdominal strain. The ageless LeBron James (foot) remains a formidable force, but he and Rui Hachimura (calf) are listed as probable. Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smithy are questionable with a shoulder problem.
So who might play for L.A.? It’s anyone’s guess. It’s hard to believe that LeBron will sit out what could be his last chance to play under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and fantasize about what might have been. The starting point guard will likely be Austin Reaves and Max Christie should join him in the backcourt. In the frontcourt with LeBron, rookie Dalton Knecht could get the start at small forward, and Jaxson Hayes should fill in at center for Davis.
Prediction
ESPN.com likes New York in this one at 80%. Indeed, home advantage and momentum seem to favor the Knicks tonight, the first of two games they’ll play against L.A. this season. Expect LeBron to power through his sore foot and try to leave one more positive impression on the hallowed floor of the Mecca. It will be all for naught, however; the Knicks are easily the better team with Davis inactive and will have fun painting the scoreboard with points in the second half. Knicks by +10.
Game Details
Who: The New York Knicks (32-16) vs Los Angeles Lakers (27-19)
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
Broadcast: ABC and ESPN+
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky