Lakers lose momentum in the second half, drop game vs. Knicks
The Lakers’ Sunday night matchup against the Knicks was a large assignment, with New York riding a five-game winning streak entering the matchup.
While losing momentum near the end of the game, the Knicks came out with the win with a final score of 112-100.
Lakers continue to struggle without Austin Reaves
Los Angeles was without Austin Reaves for the 19th straight game, and the Lakers were unable to put together any offense outside of LeBron James and Luka Doncic once again.
The All-Star combination combined for more than half of the Lakers’ total points (52 points).
James finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists, and Doncic had 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists.
The only other two Lakers to get in double-scoring were Deandre Ayton (13 points) and Rui Hachimura (11 points).
Knicks shoot lights out from three
Los Angeles wasn’t able to keep up with the firepower of New York’s three-point shooters.
While the Lakers shot 29 percent from three (12-for-42), the Knicks shot 43 percent from deep (18-for-42).
The Lakers also struggled from the free-throw line, hitting just 12 of their 19 attempts.
Los Angeles falls apart in the second half
Los Angeles held a four-point lead heading into the half, just for that advantage to be wiped away a minute into the third.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown seemed to have made the necessary adjustments in the locker room. Meanwhile, JJ Redick did not.
New York outscored Los Angeles 64 to 44 in the final two periods.
Austin Reaves’ next chance to return will be Feb. 3 vs. Nets
Over a week ago, reports said that Austin Reaves was going to be returning at some point in the Lakers’ eight-game road trip.
After their loss on Sunday, the Lakers will travel to Brooklyn and take on the Nets for the final game of the trip.
Head coach JJ Redick mentioned after the loss that Reaves “remains day-to-day” and will need to be “100% confident that he’s healthy enough to return on Tuesday.
It will be worth monitoring Reaves’ status heading into the contest on Feb. 3. He’s expected to return, but there haven’t been any reports confirming this.
