Knicks Top Lakers In LeBron’s Possible Garden Farewell

Exactly one year after a seismic NBA trade and a memorable matchup, the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers returned to Madison Square Garden on February 1, 2026, for a game brimming with history, star power, and high stakes. This time, the Knicks seized the moment, defeating the Lakers 112-100 and sending a message to the rest of the league that their early-season struggles are firmly in the rearview mirror.

The night was layered with storylines. Just a year ago, Jalen Brunson’s Knicks fell 128-112 to LeBron James’ Lakers at the Garden, only for the Lakers to stun the league hours later by trading for Luka Dončić in one of the biggest blockbusters of the modern NBA. Fast forward to this pre-All-Star Game showdown, and the stage was set for another epic encounter. The Knicks entered the game near the top of the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers found themselves fighting through the thick of the Western Conference pack.

Adding to the drama, speculation swirled that this could be LeBron James’ final appearance at the Garden if he decides to retire following the 2025-26 season. The anticipation drove ticket prices sky-high, with seats far from the action fetching over $500 and courtside spots going for thousands. The crowd’s energy was palpable, and the national spotlight only intensified the spectacle, as NBC debuted its Sunday Night Basketball package—its first NBA broadcast in years—making the event a must-watch for hoops fans everywhere.

The game itself delivered on every front. The Lakers, led by Dončić’s 18-point first half, jumped out to a 56-52 advantage at the break. Dončić, who has quickly become the engine of the Lakers since arriving from Dallas, finished with a monster stat line: 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, including five made threes on 14 attempts. LeBron, ever the showman, tallied 22 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in his 32nd regular-season game at the Garden—a venue where he’s averaged a remarkable 28.2 points, 7.6 assists, and 7.0 rebounds over his career. Earlier in the day, James was named a reserve for his NBA-record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection, further cementing his legendary status.

But the Knicks would not be denied. After a January swoon that saw them stumble to a 2-9 stretch and prompted a players-only meeting led by captain Jalen Brunson, New York has rediscovered its rhythm. The third quarter was the turning point: the Knicks exploded for a 38-26 advantage, capped by a 15-5 run featuring three-pointers from Landry Shamet, Brunson, and OG Anunoby. That surge transformed a tight contest into a commanding 90-82 lead heading into the final frame—a cushion they would never relinquish.

New York’s offense was a model of balance and efficiency. Six Knicks scored in double figures, with three eclipsing the 20-point mark. OG Anunoby led the way with 25 points and 8 rebounds, attacking the rim and knocking down four of his eight attempts from deep. Landry Shamet came off the bench firing, pouring in 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including a blistering 6-for-10 from three-point range. Josh Hart added 20 points and 4 rebounds, providing his trademark energy on both ends. Brunson, despite a tough shooting night (4-for-15), orchestrated the offense beautifully, dishing out a season-high 13 assists to go with his 12 points.

Karl-Anthony Towns, who learned before tip-off that he’d been selected as an All-Star reserve, contributed 11 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His presence on the glass helped New York control the boards, as they outrebounded the Lakers 47-36. The Knicks also shot a sizzling 18-of-42 (43%) from behind the arc, compared to the Lakers’ 12-of-42 (29%). That long-range marksmanship, coupled with a 30-21 edge in assists, proved decisive.

The Lakers, for their part, got solid performances from their stars but struggled to find consistent support beyond Dončić and James. Deandre Ayton chipped in 13 points on a perfect 6-of-6 from the field, but the rest of the Lakers’ supporting cast couldn’t keep pace with New York’s firepower. The Knicks’ defense tightened in the second half, forcing tough shots and capitalizing on turnovers to fuel their transition game.

Beyond the box score, the night was a celebration of basketball’s past, present, and future. NBC’s new studio show, Basketball Night in America, made its debut from the Garden, with Maria Taylor anchoring a Hall of Fame panel featuring Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark joined as a special contributor, adding another layer of star wattage to the proceedings. The broadcast’s return to the NBA spotlight after years away was met with enthusiasm from fans and players alike, with NBC promising to bring its iconic on-site coverage to a different arena each week.

For Knicks fans, the victory was especially sweet. It marked their sixth straight win, pushing their record to 31-18 and moving them into a tie for second place in the East with the Boston Celtics, trailing only the Detroit Pistons. The turnaround has quieted the doubts that crept in during their January slump, and with key contributors firing on all cylinders, the Garden faithful are daring to dream big once again.

As for LeBron, the question of whether this was his final Garden appearance remains unanswered. While there was no official tribute from the Knicks—unlike the emotional standing ovation and video montage he received in Cleveland last week—the sense of history was unmistakable. James, now 41, continues to defy Father Time, and his presence alone made the night feel momentous, regardless of the result.

Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds. The Knicks will travel to face the Washington Wizards on Tuesday before returning home for a clash with the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers, meanwhile, will wrap up their eight-game road trip against the Brooklyn Nets before heading back to Los Angeles to host the Philadelphia 76ers. With the All-Star break looming, every contest carries added weight in the playoff race.

On an evening packed with nostalgia, star performances, and the debut of a new national broadcast era, the Knicks delivered a signature win. Whether or not it was LeBron’s Garden farewell, fans left the arena knowing they’d witnessed a classic battle on basketball’s brightest stage.