Lakers fall to the Knicks despite huge 3rd quarter.
Despite a strong 3rd quarter, coming back from a 25 point deficit, the Lakers' efforts weren't enough to get past the New York Knicks, losing 106–100, moving their season record back under .500 at 9–10.
The Lakers' woes continue on the defensive end, changing their defensive scheme often from zone to man all game, failing to stop the Knicks offense in the 4th quarter. Offensively the Lakers struggled to stay consistent from the floor, finishing under 40% on 34 of 91 (37%) from the floor, while barely scratching 30% from beyond the arc on 11 for 36 (30%) shooting from three.
Russell Westbrook was the most prominent bright spot in tonight's Lakers loss, securing a triple-double in his effort. In his 4th triple-double performance in a Laker uniform, Westbrook finished the night with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Westbrook also had a consistent shooting night, going 3 for 6 (50%) from three and 10 for 18 (55%) overall from the floor.
It was reported by the Lakers before tonight’s matchup that Anthony Davis was questionable due to flu-like symptoms (Not Covid), with Davis saying he woke up with all the flu symptoms, coughing, fever, chills. "I just woke up not feeling well. I was in the hotel waiting for my fever to break."
In a game where it was noticeable that he was not 100%, Davis finished the night with 20 points on 7 of 17 (41%) from the floor and 6 rebounds in 33 minutes of action.
After having a hot start in his first three games back from a hand injury, Talen Horton-Tucker has had ugly games since then, continuing in tonight's loss, failing to score on 0 for 8 shooting from the field in 28 minutes.
Tomorrow, the Lakers will continue their second game of a back-to-back to face the 8–11 Indiana Pacers on the road. LeBron James is scheduled to play in tomorrow’s matchup after serving one game suspension for the altercation with Isaiah Stewart in Sunday’s win over the Pistons.