Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.
One of the NBA’s most storied rivalries reignites Sunday afternoon, as the Los Angeles Lakers host the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena.
The Knicks (41–23, 3rd East) have won four of their last five games, punctuated by Friday’s 39-point annihilation of the Nuggets in Denver. Meanwhile, the Lakers (38–25, 6th West) have also taken four of their last five contests, coming off an 11-point home victory over the Pacers on Friday.
The teams first met on February 1 at Madison Square Garden for a marquee showdown that featured 15 lead changes before the Knicks pulled away for a 112–100 victory.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
New York Knicks
OUT: Miles McBride (Core)
QUESTIONABLE: Landry Shamet (Neck)
Los Angeles Lakers
OUT: Bronny James (G League Assignment), Adou Thiero (G League Assignment)
QUESTIONABLE: LeBron James (Elbow, Foot), Maxi Kleber (Back)
Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. New York enters as a 3.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Los Angeles sits as a +124 underdog. The game’s total is set at 226.5 points.
Knicks vs. Lakers Preview
New York Knicks Preview
Save for a brief mid-season slump in January, the Knicks have been one of the strongest teams in the NBA. In fact, New York is tied for the league’s most wins since Jan. 21 — boasting the top defense and net rating during that stretch.
Fueled by All-Stars in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks have won four of their last five games. And on Friday, they handed Denver its worst home loss since Michael Jordan’s Bulls in 1998, powered by a season-high 34 points from OG Anunoby.
The two-way star led the way again with 25 points to lift New York to a home win over Los Angeles on February 1. Meanwhile, the Knicks dominated the glass, held the Lakers under 30% from three, and outscored them 38–26 in the third quarter.
However, linchpin backup guard Landry Shamet — who scored 23 points with six threes in the first meeting against the Lakers — is listed as questionable for Sunday’s rematch.
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
The stars are shining in Hollywood. The Lakers have held their own in a crowded Western Conference, winning four of their last five games and posting a top-six offense since the calendar flipped to 2026.
The NBA’s leading scorer, Luka Doncic, continues to dazzle on a nightly basis, averaging 32.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. He’s coming off a 44-point explosion in Friday’s win over Indiana.
Doncic also delivered 30 points and 15 rebounds against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden — exactly one year after the Lakers’ last trip to New York, which ultimately set the stage for their stunning acquisition of the former Mavericks superstar.
LeBron James poured in 22 points in that loss but is listed as questionable for Sunday’s rematch. Fortunately for Los Angeles, standout guard Austin Reaves will be available after missing the first matchup in Manhattan.
The dynamic backcourt of Doncic and Reaves can trade buckets with anyone. However, the Lakers’ shallow depth and inconsistent defense leave lingering questions about whether they can truly contend with the NBA’s elite.
Knicks vs. Lakers Pick, Best Bet
Sunday’s star-studded affair should emulate a playoff atmosphere in downtown Los Angeles. But New York appears too complete for this top-heavy Lakers squad, especially without LeBron.
Expect the tenacious Knicks to replicate the outcome from their first meeting, once again dominating the glass and neutralizing LA’s supporting cast en route to a road win over the Lakers.