Lakers vs. Knicks Preview and Game Thread: One for the road

The Lakers look to stay hot and extend their winning streak to eight as they host the Knicks on Thursday

The Lakers will conclude their seven-game homestand on Thursday when they host the New York Knicks. This is the second and final time these two teams face each other this season, unless they meet in the NBA Finals. Los Angeles is looking to sweep the season series.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks

When: 7 PST, Mar 6

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: TNT

The last time these two teams faced each other, LeBron James had one of the best games of his season with a 33-point performance that led L.A. to pull off a massive upset at Madison Square Garden.

It was considered an impressive game at that time because not only did the purple and gold pull off a win without Anthony Davis, but they also got contributions from Austin Reaves, Max Christie and company.

It was a statement victory and a reminder that the version of the Lakers was still a force to be reckoned with.

And then, not more than two hours after the game, the historic blockbuster trade involving Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis shook the world. Just like that, the Lakers transformed into a completely different team.

That’s why Thursday’s playdate against the Knicks should be incredibly exciting. It will be the first time the duo of James and Dončić will go up against Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby who is currently noted as questionable, and Karl-Anthony Towns, making this game perhaps the hardest one in this current homestand.

There’s no better way to send the Lakers off on their tough four-game road trip ahead than one more challenge at home, where they have a 24-7 record.

Matchup-wise, I will be looking at how JJ Redick plans to stop KAT again. In their previous game, Redick often exposed the big man in pick-and-rolls, which opened up their offense.

The Lakers also limited Brunson to 17 points and Anunoby to 13. They made Josh Hart the highest scorer with 26 and that’s something the purple and gold gladly lived with en route to their 128-112 victory.

The Knicks will definitely counter, but the question is, how? They certainly have the pieces to deploy, especially on the defensive side of the court. They’re also coming off a tough loss to the Golden State Warriors, so expect them to step it up for this one.

If Los Angeles’ defense isn’t disruptive enough, expect New York to show why they have the league’s fifth best offense, which averages 117.4 points a game. I’m curious to see if the Lakers can limit the Knicks’ offense like they have been doing to their opponents as of late.

But more than anything, this game should be another fantastic test for the Lakers. It’s against an above-average team from the Eastern Conference that’s also trying to stay afloat within the top three range of their standings.

The goal for the Lakers is to overwhelm the Knicks with their offensive firepower.

It’s Dončić versus Brunson, which should be fun for Dallas Mavericks fans (whoops!). It’s LeBron against the Knicks’ defense-oriented wings like Mikal Bridges and Anunoby. It’s the Lakers’ defense facing a team with size and athleticism. And, of course, it’s Los Angeles versus New York; you can’t get any more East vs. West than that.

Let’s see if Luka, LeBron, and the Lakers can win their eighth straight game on Thursday before heading out on their toughest road trip of the season.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, Luka Dončić (right knee contusion), LeBron James (left foot injury management) and Austin Reaves (right calf strain) are probable. It’s good to see AR listed as probable since he was ruled out in the last two games.
• Meanwhile, Jordan Goodwin (right ankle sprain) is now noted as questionable after missing the last two games, while Rui Hachimira (left patellar tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery) and Markieff Morris (illness) remain out.
• As for the Knicks, Precious Achiuwa (left hamstring tightness), OG Anunoby (left thumb sprain) are questionable and Ariel Hukporti (left knee meniscus injury) wont suit up.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.