If you were to look at the Knicks’, and Lakers’ seasons before the first meeting between these two teams, the consensus likely would’ve been that the Knicks were in a much better position. Sure, they had struggled against the top teams in the league, going 0-4 against the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Thunder up to that point, but they were still 32-16, which was good for third in the east. They were coming off of a five-game game winning streak that included three consecutive double-digit victories against the Kings, Grizzlies, and the Nuggets. And they had two All-Star starters, were expecting Mitchell Robinson back, and had the opportunity to improve their roster during the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, who went into that matchup 27-19, suffered a loss to a struggling, and Joel Embiid and Paul George-less Sixers team two games prior, were fighting just to stay out of the play-in game.
But since then, the two teams have been on completely different trajectories. New York, who eventually lost that game to the Lakers, have gone just 8-5 since February 1st and come into tonight’s matchup hungry to avenge their ugly 114-102 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday night. Los Angeles, on the other hand, has won 12 games, while only losing two during that stretch, and as you may have heard, they traded for the recently turned 26-year-old generational superstar. Suffice it to say, things are looking pretty good for the Lakers, and their fans.
Prediction
The Knicks have been quite mediocre for a while now. Since February, they rank just 15th in the league in offensive rating, 26th in defensive rating, and 21st in net rating, with an abysmal net rating of -5. During that stretch, their only losses have been to the Lakers, Celtics, Cavaliers, and Warriors, who many would agree are among the hottest teams in the league. But it’s not just a case of the opponents playing great basketball. The Knicks have looked worse and worse offensively as the season has gone on, their defense is one of the worst in the league, and now, they’re dealing with potential injuries as OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Robinson are all questionable for tonight’s game. The Lakers have suffered notable losses to the rebuilding of the Utah Jazz, and Charlotte Hornets within the last month, but they’ve started to look more and more like a well-oiled machine on its way to contention.
If the Knicks can keep Luka Doncic, and LeBron James at bay, and recapture some of their offensive magic, anything is possible. But with the Lakers, who are 24-7 at the crypto.com Arena, back home, it’s hard to see what has been an inconsistent and struggling Knicks team step up to the task. Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby, who have both been playing pretty well offensively will keep this game close, but the Lakers run away with this one late and take it 120-110.
Game Details
Teams: New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers
Location: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date and Time: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 10:00 PM ET
Broadcast: TNT
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
