LeBron James, Lakers make ‘Statement’ in win over Knicks

Lakers’ LeBron James (23) follows through on a three-point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

NEW YORK — It’s hard to determine whether the Lakers’ last-minute jersey change impacted the outcome of their high-profile matchup against the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

But it certainly didn’t hurt them.

Switching from their planned “City Edition” jerseys to their “Statement Edition” ones, the Lakers delivered one of their best shooting performances of the season, claiming a 128-112 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

LeBron James led the charge with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, setting the tone for the Lakers’ offensive display with a fadeaway jumper and back-to-back turnaround shots late in the first quarter, giving Los Angeles an early lead.

James’ triple-double was the 122nd of his career and his 10th this season, the second-most in 2024-25, behind only Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers (28-19) drained 19 of 40 three-point attempts, marking their second-highest three-point performance this season, snapping the Knicks’ five-game win streak. The Knicks (32-17) had entered Saturday’s game on a roll and were just one three-pointer shy of the 20 they hit in a November 13 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Austin Reaves contributed 27 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals, playing a key role in the Lakers’ pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop offense, taking advantage of Karl-Anthony Towns’ struggles in defensive coverage.

Rui Hachimura, who hit a couple of early corner threes, finished with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting.

Max Christie and Dorian Finney-Smith each added 15 points.

Finney-Smith (five), Reaves (four), James (three), Hachimura (three), and Gabe Vincent (three) all connected on multiple three-pointers.

Vincent contributed nine points, returning after missing the previous three games due to a bruised left knee.

The Lakers successfully contained the Knicks’ All-Star duo, limiting Towns (11 points, six rebounds, three assists) and Jalen Brunson (17 points, seven assists) to a combined 28 points on 10-of-30 shooting.

Josh Hart led the Knicks with a 26-point, 13-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Mikal Bridges added 16 points.