Knicks vs. Lakers: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The New York Knicks (24-28) play against the Los Angeles Lakers (28-28) at STAPLES Center Game Time: 8:30 PM EST on Saturday February 5, 2022 New York Knicks 93, Los Angeles Lakers 96 (Q4 06:59) What’s the buzz on Twitter? Marc J. Spears @ …

The New York Knicks (24-28) play against the Los Angeles Lakers (28-28) at STAPLES Center

Game Time: 8:30 PM EST on Saturday February 5, 2022

New York Knicks 93, Los Angeles Lakers 96 (Q4 06:59)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Alec Burks been a walking bucket with no fanfare for a long time. – 10:40 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Five Lakers have been incredible tonight. Five Lakers have been bad. It’s concerning that the one making $44 million is in the wrong group. – 10:39 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron was fouled on the floor, but continued to the hoop for a reverse dunk anyway. Just because. – 10:36 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
AD making the most out of hard earned second chances 💪 pic.twitter.com/IjxCZdjpC610:35 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
A good habit when trying to figure out if a team is in for a comeback is to check the 3-point percentages at halftime. Often, extreme ones come back to Earth in the second half.
Lakers were 2-for-14 from deep at the half. Knicks were 9-for-20.
Those numbers are evening out. – 10:34 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Nerlens Noel catching an entry pass is banner worthy – 10:32 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Have to get RJ Barrett more than three shots in the third quarter after he played so well in the first half – 10:30 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Third quarter score:
Malik Monk 18
New York Knicks 13 – 10:29 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Big quarter from the #LakeShow
@Anthony Davis: 22 pts, 9 reb, 4 blk
@Malik Monk: 22 pts (18 pts in the 3rd)
@LeBron James: 17 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast pic.twitter.com/XpPFh6KmHt10:29 PM

Dan Favale @danfavale
third quarter stats:
malik monk – 18 pts
knicks in existential crisis – 13 pts – 10:28 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through three quarters, the Lakers lead the Knicks 87-84.
• Barrett 25-6-4
• Randle 23-10-6
• Fournier 12 pts
• Davis 22 & 9
• James 17-9-6
• Monk 22 pts
Lakers win the third quarter 31-13. – 10:28 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Third quarter: Malik Monk 18, Knicks 13. AK – 10:28 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Knicks vs. Lakers on primetime in 2022 pic.twitter.com/CxYsmeJWUU10:28 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Third quarter: Lakers 87, Knicks 84
The Lakers made an impressive comeback in the third, outscoring the Knicks 31-13. Malik Monk scored a season-high 18 points in the frame, bringing his total to 22. AD has 22 pts, 9 rebs and 4 blks. LeBron has 17 pts, 9 rebs and 6 ast. – 10:28 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
The Lakers outscored the Knicks 31-13 in the third quarter and lead 87-84. Impressive rally. – 10:27 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Final tally in the third: Lakers outscored the Knicks 31 to 13.
Lakers lead 87-84 after three quarters. – 10:27 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
These #Knicks refuse to engage physically on defense, especially perimeter players. Goes against the coach’s personality so it can’t be coaching. They just concede way too much. – 10:26 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Julius Randle hit with a tech. He’s been getting understandably frustrated as things have gone south for the Knicks. – 10:26 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Technical foul called on Julius Randle from the bench. Third tech for Randle in two games. – 10:26 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Julius Randle gets another tech. This one from the bench. – 10:25 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Knicks getting killed now by Kentucky duo Anthony Davis and Malik Monk. – 10:23 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
this is the eye test not a stat but it feels like AD is dunking approximately 100x more now than at the beginning of the season – 10:22 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
AD’s PER at being hit in the face is all-time elite. BK – 10:20 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
“Ahhhh, okay, finally here are the Knicks I know and don’t love…” – Knicks fans – 10:18 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Good defense leads to good offense.
(📺: ABC) pic.twitter.com/2P56hq5ciB10:18 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Damn. Bron really just sat down on RJ somethin serious – 10:17 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Lakers lead on a Davis putback dunk. All the way back. – 10:16 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Lakers lead. – 10:16 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Malik Monk is on a heater, up to 15 points in the 3rd Q alone, with 5:34 to play, as LAL have trimmed off 14 points of NYK’s 15-point lead rapidly. – 10:15 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
🔥🔥🔥 Malik 🔥🔥🔥 – 10:14 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think Malik Monk is the best thing in my life right now. – 10:14 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
All that pace the Knicks played w/ in the first half has dissipated. Lakers switching a buch now (a strategy that’s given Knicks trouble on other nights), but Knicks pounding Randle isos in other situations, too. Not getting stops to get running either. Lakers up 22-8 in the 3rd. – 10:14 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Malik Monk is red hot in the third and the Lakers have rejoined the living. Monk’s third three of the quarter brings the Lakers with 79-78. Monk has 15 points in the quarter. – 10:13 PM
Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
Malik Monk is on fire. – 10:13 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
From down 21 to down 1, Knicks up 79-78…Lakers 22-8 in the qtr – 10:12 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Malik Monk is getting a big bad this summer!!! – 10:12 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Malik Monk going nuclear in this half. He’s got 15 of his 19 points in the third quarter.
It was a 15-point deficit at the half. It’s now just 79-78 Knicks. – 10:12 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Julius froze RJ out this game and the Knicks lost their lead – 10:12 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Anthony Davis with another good game in the works, winning a one-on-one under the rim against his former teammate Julius Randle, getting a block despite a rake across his face. – 10:10 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
Investing in Black Futures.
#LakersYouthFoundation x @DWS_Group pic.twitter.com/mjTP7nv82Q10:06 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
worst third quarter team in the league by a massive margin at your service. (the knicks) (probably needed to specify) – 10:04 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
It’s a 10-point game as Russ dishes out to Monk for a 3-pointer. Quick two buckets for the Lakers out of halftime. – 10:02 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“He left twice… he’ll leave again.”
@Charles Oakley tells Frank Isola & Brian Scalabrine his thoughts on LeBron James’ future.
Oakley’s book, #TheLastEnforcer with Frank Isola is available now! pic.twitter.com/CdSGWWJUSQ10:02 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
24 minutes to go.
Let’s lock in. pic.twitter.com/3tiENhyRSk9:59 PM

Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
The next League Pass commercials should just have the Lakers’ schedule for the next month on screen for 15 seconds. pic.twitter.com/kMceaUoOgu9:59 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Ju dialed in.
📊 20 PTS / 7 REB / 6 AST pic.twitter.com/B46JVANC8K9:58 PM

Eric Patten @EricPatten
Out of halftime segment highlight? Monk lob to AD. They gave up 71 points in the first half – 9:57 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
New Rule:
Berman had to ask Randle about potentially being traded to Sacramento before every game. pic.twitter.com/AauVIkBltR9:51 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
RJ put on a show in the first half.
📊 24 PTS / 4 REB / 4 AST pic.twitter.com/HR1fjCjhyX9:50 PM

David Hardisty @clutchfans
If the Lakers lose this game, Russell Westbrook will likely be arriving at Bush Airport around 1:30 am. – 9:50 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Best half for Julius Randle since _________ – 9:48 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
So the #Knicks went to LA and found Last Season Julius. – 9:48 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Halftime: Knicks 71, Lakers 56
Anthony Davis leads LA w/ 16 points and 3 blocks. LeBron James has 15 points. No other Laker player has more than 7 points. The Lakers cut into the lead late in the half, but their defense has been awful and the Knicks are making everything. – 9:48 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
This sequence is everything. pic.twitter.com/6kUA6sVIM59:47 PM

Bill Oram @billoram
The Lakers are getting embarrassed on their home floor by the 24-28 Knicks. LeBron’s back from injury. The game is on ABC. And the Lakers are losing 71-56 at halftime. Just a miserable performance. – 9:46 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
will the four hall-of-famers be able to regroup and stop RJ Barrett? let’s find out after the break. – 9:46 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I don’t know what trade the Lakers can actually make, but I would not be surprised if it comes tomorrow just to distract the fanbase from whatever the fuck this is tonight. – 9:46 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Best player of his generation and LeBron James pic.twitter.com/QF1A6rEk609:46 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Halftime. Knicks lead the Lakers 71-56.
• Barrett 21-4-4
• Randle 20-7-6
• Fournier 10 pts
• James 15-5-3
• Davis 16 & 5
Knicks shooting 50% FGs, 45% 3Ps. Lakers just 2-of-14 from deep. – 9:46 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
This very well may be the best half the Knicks have played all season. They lead the Lakers by 15 on ABC. – 9:46 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The Lakers somehow only lost that quarter by two. It felt like fucking Armageddon. – 9:45 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
HALFTIME: Knicks 71, Lakers 56.
LeBron with 15, AD with 16. The defense is a hot mess. Russ ended the half on the bench. – 9:45 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Russell Westbrook just needs to accept he can’t shoot the basketball. I’ve had enough of watching him clank his shots off the backboard. Start acting like Draymond Green or Ben Simmons. Just stop shooting. pic.twitter.com/9SFA5YTtTm9:43 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers trying to cut into the lead in the final minute of the half. Notably, Russ is on the bench. – 9:43 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Mark Jackson calls this one of the worst halves the Lakers have played this season. I don’t think he’s seen enough games. BK – 9:42 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Evan Fournier has made 22 of his last 38 three-pointers attempts – that’s 57.9%
Over the Knicks last 15 games, he is 54-of-106 (51%) – 9:41 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Julius Randle just took it to the rim on a break and Anthony Davis made a decision that he was not going to foul – or be on a poster. – 9:41 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
The Knicks flew out West and adopted the “Seven Seconds or Less” philosophy – 9:37 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
Spin Cycle:
🔘 On
⚪️ Off
@RjBarrett6 | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/LVEtwDP00G9:35 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Anthony Davis saved the second of two missed Westbrook jumpers by dunking on Mitchell Robinson — and he had something to say after. Probably hits harder if the Lakers aren’t down by 17. – 9:34 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Westbrook with the Kobe-assist to AD! These Staples Center boo birds don’t under this shit is chess, not checkers! AK – 9:34 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Anthony Davis is too good for this shit. – 9:34 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Knicks most valuable players tonight:
1. RJ Barrett
2. Russ Westbrook
3. Julius Randle – 9:33 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
There were loud boos coming down in L.A. after Russell Westbrook, with the Lakers down 19 in the second quarter to the Knicks, hit the side of the basket on a midrange jump shot. Been a rough night for Westbrook and the Lakers, mirroring a rough season. – 9:33 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
RJ Barrett…I’m impressed. Wasn’t sure he could develop into a scorer but here we are – 9:33 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Westbrook shanks another banker, now getting booed by home crowd. pic.twitter.com/4XishaS3c99:33 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Lakers writers scrambling to get those “Frank Vogel fired” pre-writes back up to date. pic.twitter.com/KwjdWmGFwk9:33 PM
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
Westbrook must absolutely stop shooting that shot off the glass. – 9:32 PM
Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
No the Knicks should not trade for Russell Westbrook. Lots of unwatchable basketball available – 9:32 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
It will always be amazing Durant got his buddy DeAndre Jordan $40 million ahhahaha
Get you a friend like KD – 9:32 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
What in the world happened to RJ Barrett’s feet today? Two ankle-breaking spin moves: one on that drive and one fancy one in the post against Westbrook. Dude is on one tonight. – 9:32 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
When the Rockets traded Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook, it was the THUNDER that got all the picks.
Amazing. – 9:31 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
They’re booing Russell Westbrook in L.A. after that brick. He’s 1-for-5 and the Knicks lead by 19. – 9:31 PM
Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
A four-play stretch for #Lakers:
Westbrook misses contested jumper
Westbrook bad pass in traffic to DeAndre Jordan that leads to a turnover
Westbrook scored on in transition
Westbrook misses layup – 9:31 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
The good news for Lakers fans in attendance tonight is that the Super Bowl Experience, happening next door at the LA Convention Center, is open until 10. – 9:30 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
I know Russell Westbrook turned it in the second half last week but man, he looks sad right now. – 9:28 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
The Russell Westbrook-DeAndre Jordan combo just isn’t working. – 9:28 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Have a feeling if RJ Barrett played with players who liked to run more consistently, he’d fit in quite well. Always looks so comfortable playing with the uptempo bench. – 9:24 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
A good DeAndre Jordan play?!? – 9:21 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
DeAndre Jordan checking in for an injured Dwight Howard. – 9:20 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
do you have any idea how difficult it is to let the knicks score 42 points in a single quarter? you have to actually help them, otherwise they could get to maybe 30 against zero defenders if they tried hard enough. i am impressed. – 9:15 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Julius Randle has 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists in first quarter vs Lakers. Randle has said in past he has extra motivation vs. LAL, the team that drafted him. In 9 games vs LAL prior to this one, Randle is averaging 23.7 points, 8.2 rebounds & 3.9 assists. – 9:14 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through one quarter, the Knicks lead the Lakers 42-29.
• Barrett 17-4-2
• Randle 12-5-4
• Fournier 8 pts
• Davis 9 pts
• James 6-2-2 – 9:13 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
First quarter: Knicks 42, Lakers 29
The Knicks’ 42 points are tied for the most the Lakers have given up in a quarter this season — and the first time a team has scored 40 against them in the first quarter. LeBron made an impact early in his return with 6 points and 2 assists. – 9:12 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
Ju workin’.
📊 Q1: 12 PTS (4-5 FG) / 5 REB / 4 AST / 1 BLK pic.twitter.com/YiVttFVEO89:12 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
America, an hour ago: “The Lakers defense can’t be that bad, can it??”
*one hour later*
“Ohhhh…. Wow… yikes” – 9:11 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks up 42-29 after the first quarter, highest scoring first quarter of the season. Barrett first, then Randle, took charge – combined for 29. – 9:11 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Knicks played with more force than the Lakers through much of the 1st Q, and hit 15 of 22 FG’s to take a 42-29 lead into the 2nd Q. – 9:11 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
End of Q1: Knicks 42, Lakers 29.
RJ Barrett had 17 points and Julius Randle had 12. New York bludgeoned the Lakers’ defense early on. – 9:11 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Where did that Knicks team come from?
They played fast and moved the ball, scored 42 points in the first quarter with 10 assists. Lead the Lakers by 13. – 9:11 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
This impressive first quarter offensive tempo by the #Knicks is
A. an adjustment made in practice
B. a reflection of just how bad the Lakers defense has been this season
C. will be forgotten in the third quarter
D. all of the above – 9:10 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
How is this a 13-point game I feel like the Lakers should be down 80. – 9:10 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Barrett-Randle combined to shoot 10 of 12 from field for 29 points in glorious 42-29 first quarter against Lake Show. – 9:10 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
End of Q1, Lakers down 42-29… – 9:10 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
RJ Barrett came into tonight averaging 17.5 pts per game this season. He already has 17 pts after 1Q tonight. The Lakers trail the Knicks 42-29 heading into the 2nd Q. – 9:10 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
After an intital 6-minute stint in which LeBron came out perhaps looking to see how his knee responded, he’s been more forceful in his 2nd stint, w/consecutive buckets at the rim and an assist to Reaves capping a 9-2 run that has LAL within 11.
Knicks opened 9 of 10 to go up 17. – 9:08 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
The Lakers video board just acknowledged Trevor Ariza becoming the 32nd player in NBA history to make 1,600 3s. – 9:08 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Figured out how to unlock Randle … just play LeBron and the Lakers in LA on national TV every game – 9:06 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
LeBron having to go bulldozer-mode for the Lakers not to be entirely comatose seems suboptimal. – 9:06 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Two tough layups in a row after LeBron checks back in, and the Lakers have trimmed the once-18-point lead to a more manageable 11. – 9:06 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Austin Reaves is the only Lakers guard remotely capable of fighting over a screen. – 9:06 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Knicks have made 13 of their first 17 shots. – 9:05 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Noted offensive juggernaut the New York Knicks have scored 36 points with 3:08 still to play in the first quarter. – 9:04 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
ROWAN ALEXANDER BARRETT JR. – 9:03 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
RJ Barrett has 17 points on seven shots and there are still three minutes to go in the first quarter. Knicks absolutely bombarding the Lakers right now. – 9:02 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
The Lakers get LeBron back and promptly trail the Knicks 34-16. – 9:02 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
RJ Barrett:
12 points
The Lakers:
13 points – 8:59 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Julius Randle said N🚫PE! 🙅‍♂️
pic.twitter.com/1njmzWPCjr8:59 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron checks out at the 5:41 mark. Frank Vogel suggested that the Lakers wouldn’t push him like a normal game if he was able to play. – 8:57 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
Our fans really go hard 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/iamD832yme8:57 PM

Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Awful start, Knicks up 23-8 (9 of 10 from the field)… – 8:53 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
i too watched the Sacramento Kings play this week, Julius Randle. welcome back. – 8:53 PM
Greg Dickerson @gregdickerson13
I don’t typically like to kick people when they’re down, but lebron returns and the lakers are already down 15 to the KNICKS! Lol lol lol lol – 8:52 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
When the Knicks push the pace a bit and pass the ball a bunch… good things happen – 8:52 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
“Grandma’s gonna start using some bad language.” – Mom, watching the Lakers, with grandkids nearby. AK – 8:51 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
The Lakers are proud to announce our new HBCU partner, @Fisk1866, with a performance by the Grammy Award winning Fisk Jubilee Singers of the National Anthem and The Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, by James Weldon Johnson #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/PPVP9MenUD8:51 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks making the extra pass – 9-for-10 from the field with 8 assists already. – 8:51 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Knicks have 21 points in five minutes and are beating the Lakers by 15. – 8:51 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
21-6 Knicks, a real score in the N-B-A – 8:50 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Kemba Walker’s scoreless streak ends with a 3 from the left wing – 8:49 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Kemba takes a skip pass from Fournier and hits a 3 to snap his 9 quarter scoreless run. – 8:49 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
Pushin’ the pace.
@Julius Randle ➡️ @RjBarrett6 pic.twitter.com/6thiE6ENss8:48 PM

Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Looks like Julius Randle is playing at half speed sometimes – 8:47 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Nice moment as Julius Randle waves to Jeanie Buss and she waves and blows kisses. It’s been said many times, but Jeanie felt a real connection to all the young guys from that period. – 8:47 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
Comin’ out firing.
🎯 @RjBarrett6 pic.twitter.com/WI51DKsBDc8:46 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Quick 9-0 deficit. The Lakers haven’t missed a beat since LeBron’s return. AK – 8:46 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Lakers doing everything in their power to make sure Avery Bradley is their starting shooting guard for the next 65 years. – 8:44 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Two Knicks fans in full uniform at Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/u6guQrx0NH8:43 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks start off 9-0 — 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, including two from Barrett (not the Barrett sitting courtside). – 8:43 PM
John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
The Knicks are shooting 100% outside the Eastern & Central time zones this season. – 8:43 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Knicks will be in good shape if they make a 3-pointer on every offensive trip and don’t allow the Lakers to score – 8:43 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Kent Bazemore is ready. – 8:43 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
OK, this game is starting out a little like the last Lakers-Knicks game. NY takes a 9-0 lead. – 8:42 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Dwight Howard not dressed – back tightness. – 8:42 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Dwight Howard’s back tightened up during pregame and he will be out tonight, per the Lakers. He’s considered day to day going forward – 8:41 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers say Dwight Howard felt his back tighten up shortly before tipoff today. He is out. – 8:41 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Dwight Howard was a late scratch for the Lakers tonight due to back tightness. – 8:41 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Simmons and Klutch = Pam and Jim (just getting up out of the situation)
Dwight, Michael and Andy = Nets, Sixers and Harden in a standoff pic.twitter.com/a7z68KcVhr8:38 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
I’m in the radio booth alongside @champagnennuts tonight filling in for @John Ireland, who’s under the weather but should be good to go next game.
Lakers vs. Knicks is tipping off on @ESPNLosAngeles in moments (no @SpectrumSN for TV tonight, it’s an ABC exclusive). – 8:32 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Two Knicks fans from Manhattan scored baseline seats for tonight. Oddly, Lakers security has warned them twice about not getting too close to court. pic.twitter.com/B7Lbzl5Ebr8:32 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
So there are two fans courtside in Randle and Barrett uniforms…Not jerseys…Uniforms. You will not mix them up for the actual Randle and Barrett. – 8:30 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
As one 🐐 retires in the NFL, a Lakers legend weighs in on the NBA’s greatest.
Michael Cooper tells @TermineRadio & @Eddie Johnson why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stands above the rest.
#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/zKgwx5UBs88:28 PM
New York Knicks @nyknicks
The five to get it going.
Let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/usf4a9ztM58:25 PM

Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
👑🔙
#SuitingUpTogether | @ToyotaSoCal pic.twitter.com/E0Zu6veQ9x8:05 PM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
LeBron James is back and starting against the Knicks: pic.twitter.com/7dNYptgY5c8:01 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron James replaces Avery Bradley in the starting lineup. Malik Monk remains a starter. pic.twitter.com/P0h3280DeK8:01 PM

Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Tonight’s starting lineups with LeBron back in the mix: pic.twitter.com/oSXcgA0fL78:01 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Westbrook, Monk, LeBron, Johnson and AD will start. – 8:01 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
LeBron James will play tonight vs. the Knicks after missing five games with a knee injury. pic.twitter.com/9LV2ZtVcS17:57 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Lebron is playing tonight — Vogel pregame said “Itching to play isn’t a strong enough word. He’s been working day and night just to get back in the lineup in general. Obviously this is a big game against the Knicks on ABC and he wants to be in there.” – 7:57 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
LeBron will play against the Knicks tonight
It’s his first game vs. New York since January of 2020 – 7:55 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James will start tonight against the Knicks, per the Lakers. – 7:42 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
LeBron James will play and, of course, will start for the Lakers vs the Knicks tonight. – 7:42 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron will start tonight against the Knicks. – 7:41 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
After five-game absence, Lakers star LeBron James (knee) will return tonight vs. Knicks. – 7:41 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron James is playing tonight against the Knicks. – 7:41 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Lakers say LeBron James will play tonight versus New York. – 7:41 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
With deadline approaching, rumors and gossip are the thing. And for Julius Randle and the Knicks: What’s next? newsday.com/sports/basketb… via @Newsday7:37 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Lebron warming up now, he’s a game time decision… pic.twitter.com/GvNJkWsCgJ7:31 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Saturday Primetime.
#UltraDrip | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/wPGZCuTfyO7:30 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Melo ➡️ Bridges FLUSH! 😤
pic.twitter.com/PrKYaWT49M7:28 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Phil Handy putting LeBron through some dribbling. pic.twitter.com/15OVThYgTg7:20 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron going through his pregame shooting routine to determine if he can play tonight pic.twitter.com/quYquINr8O7:20 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron going through some shooting on the court. pic.twitter.com/DRydUDqzRV7:16 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Thibs says the Knicks did a walkthrough preparing for both possibilities that LeBron could be in or out today after he was upgraded to questionable. – 7:07 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Tom Thibodeau says the Knicks are “ready for both” scenarios regarding LeBron’s availability. – 7:06 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Knicks starters;
Kemba Walker
Evan Fournier
RJ Barrett
Julius Randle
Mitchell Robinson – 7:06 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Vogel on King: It’s a big game against the Knicks on ABC. He wants to be there.” – 6:54 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Frank Vogel says “Itching to play isn’t a strong enough word” for the way LeBron James feels right now. – 6:51 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Frank Vogel says LeBron will test out his knee pregame before making a decision on playing tonight. – 6:48 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Frank Vogel says LeBron (knee) will get on the court for a pregame workout, see how he feels and it’ll be a game-time decision. Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) is out, but they’re encouraged by his progress. AK – 6:48 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Frank Vogel says LeBron James remains a gametime decision for tonight. He added that Carmelo Anthony had an evaluation on his right hamstring that left the team “encouraged” but he will be out tonight. – 6:47 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Vogel added that Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) is out tonight, but will be day-to-day moving forward. – 6:47 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Frank Vogel confirms that Carmelo Anthony will be OUT tonight against the Knicks. – 6:47 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James remains a game-time decision for tonight’s game, per Frank Vogel. – 6:47 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Frank Vogel says LeBron James (knee) will be a game-time decision against the Knicks. – 6:47 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Vogel says Lebron will test it – game time decision. Melo is out. – 6:47 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Frank Vogel on LeBron James: “LeBron is going to get out on the court and see how it feels, and he’ll be a game-time decision.” – 6:47 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
King upgraded to questionable and is warming up. #Lakers6:40 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
LeBron has be upgraded to QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game. – 6:16 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
City threads.
#LakeShow x @bibigoUSA pic.twitter.com/WIv24iyImV6:13 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s game.
The Lakers are 1-4 in the 5 games he’s missed with the left knee soreness/effusion. – 5:07 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
LeBron James now listed as questionable with left knee soreness for Lakers game against New York tonight at Crypto.com Arena. – 5:04 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
Lakers have upgraded LeBron to questionable today – 5:01 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Lakers have officially upgraded LeBron’s status to QUESTIONABLE today against the Knicks. – 5:00 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Julius Randle’s averages the last three games against the Lakers:
28.3 points, 11.3 rebounds
Said he always gets up to play his former team. – 4:59 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Julius Randle doesn’t believe in “gossip” and value too low to give up on him #Lakers #Knicks nypost.com/2022/02/05/nba…4:54 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 1999, Paul Pierce had 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four blocks in his NBA debut with the @Boston Celtics.
Pierce is one of four players in NBA history to reach career totals of 25,000 points and 2,000 3P made (Ray Allen, Vince Carter, and LeBron James). pic.twitter.com/fUj4o5uUhi4:01 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
‘Who reported it?”
Julius Randle is skeptical of trade rumors.
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb…3:52 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James, who has missed the Lakers last five games with swelling in his left knee, could return tonight against the New York Knicks (8:30 pm PT, ABC), sources told ESPN. James will go through a pregame warmup to determine if he is ready to return, sources said. – 3:52 PM
Los Angeles Lakers @Lakers
East Meets West
⏰: 5:30 p.m. PT
📺: ABC
📻: ESPN LA 710/1330 KWKW & ESPN Radio
#LakeShow x @socios on.nba.com/3rtEckk3:48 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Julius Randle and the Knicks: What’s next?
After signing a four-year extension in the summer that takes effect after this season there are legitimate questions of whether Randle and the franchise as currently configured are the right path. newsday.com/sports/basketb…3:46 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Julius Randle doesn’t believe trade talks are for real and league sources sense value to low to sell off #Knicks nypost.com/2022/02/05/nba…3:39 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Could we see a Julius Randle-De’Aaron Fox swap before Thursday’s deadline?
@Brian Windhorst tells @EvCoRadio and @Brian Geltzeiler why that scenario is on the table #NewYorkForever #Kings pic.twitter.com/7GxNvjRcvO3:35 PM
Eric Pincus @EricPincus
ICYMI: OKC was OVER the salary cap until the Trevor Ariza trade exception expired on 2/3/22. Now that it’s gone, the team also lost the George Hill trade exception, the remaining NTMLE/BAE and is now very-much UNDER the salary cap. It’s not specifically significant, but factual – 3:25 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Latest injury report for Knicks and Lakers…Lebron still listed as doubtful. Melo out. pic.twitter.com/TjIBhILc4J3:07 PM