Knicks Defeat Lakers 112-100 as LeBron James Plays at MSG

OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet lead Knicks to sixth straight win, spoiling LeBron's 32nd game at the Garden.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 112-100 on Sunday night, led by 25 points from OG Anunoby and 23 points from Landry Shamet. LeBron James finished with 22 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds for the Lakers, but it wasn't enough as the Knicks matched a season-high with their sixth straight win. Josh Hart added 20 points and Jalen Brunson had a season-high 13 assists for the Knicks.

Why it matters

This game had added significance as it was LeBron James' 32nd regular season appearance at Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic basketball arenas. The Knicks, who have struggled in recent years, are now proving to be a more competitive team, making this a more compelling matchup than in years past when LeBron's teams often dominated the Knicks.

The details

The Knicks outscored the Lakers 38-26 in the third quarter, getting three straight transition baskets and then closing with 3-pointers by Shamet, Brunson and Anunoby in a 15-5 surge that sent them to the fourth with a 90-82 lead. The win marked the Knicks' sixth straight, matching a season high.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • This was exactly one year to the day of the Lakers' last trip to New York, when they agreed to the blockbuster trade with Dallas that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.

The players

OG Anunoby

The Knicks forward scored a team-high 25 points in the win.

Landry Shamet

The Knicks guard added 23 points to help lead the team to victory.

LeBron James

The Lakers superstar finished with 22 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds in the loss, his 32nd regular season game at Madison Square Garden.

Josh Hart

The Knicks guard scored 20 points in the win.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks guard had 12 points and a season-high 13 assists.

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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)

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.