Lakers Defeat Knicks Without LeBron James

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lead the way as the Lakers show their depth

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 110-97 on March 8, 2026, despite the absence of LeBron James due to injury. Luka Doncic scored 35 points and Austin Reaves added 25 as the Lakers showcased their ability to win without their superstar. The game highlighted the growing trend in the NBA of teams thriving through a 'next man up' mentality and commitment to team defense.

Why it matters

This game exemplifies the increasing importance of roster depth in the modern NBA. Teams can no longer rely solely on one or two star players, as the physical demands of the league and risk of injury require a commitment to a 'next man up' approach. The Lakers' success without LeBron James demonstrates their ability to adapt and win through a balanced offensive attack and stifling team defense.

The details

The Lakers held the Knicks, the NBA's third-best offense, to just 42.7% shooting and forced 19 turnovers. This defensive performance, coupled with a balanced offensive attack led by Doncic and Reaves, proved crucial. The Knicks struggled, shooting just 23.5% from three-point range and committing 18 turnovers, underscoring the importance of consistent execution in the face of defensive pressure.

  • The Lakers defeated the Knicks on March 8, 2026.
  • LeBron James missed the game due to a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis.

The players

Luka Doncic

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who scored 35 points in the win over the Knicks.

Austin Reaves

A key contributor for the Lakers, scoring 25 points in the absence of LeBron James.

LeBron James

The Lakers' superstar who missed the game due to a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach who emphasized the team's defensive efforts and 'sacrificial plays' in the win.

Marcus Smart

A Lakers player who contributed to the team's defensive efforts with 'sacrificial plays'.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Lakers face a challenging stretch of games against top competition, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets (twice). Their ability to maintain this level of performance against elite teams will be a crucial test.

The takeaway

This game highlights the growing trend in the NBA of teams building deeper rosters and developing a 'next man up' mentality to navigate the physical demands of the league and mitigate the impact of injuries. The Lakers' success without LeBron James is a testament to their roster construction and coaching staff, and a sign of their championship potential.