of Los Angeles Lakers Visit Madison Square Garden February 1, 2026to play new york knicks in an interconference matchup with playoff implications. Both teams are in the postseason race, which adds weight to the regular season games.Injuries could affect both rotations. Availability and minutes management could play a big role in how the match unfolds, as several key players are dealing with minor issues.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report before the game against the New York Knicks (February 1, 2026)
The Los Angeles Lakers have a short injury list, but it’s still unclear whether two guards will be able to play.
| player | situation | injury |
| Adu Tierro | outside | Right MCL sprain |
| austin reeves | i doubt it | left calf tension |
| bronny james | doubts / daily life | pain in left leg |
If Reeves and Bronny don’t play or have limited minutes, the Lakers are expected to rely on a starting lineup of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Jared Vanderbilt. The team’s main scoring options are still available.
New York Knicks Injury Report vs. Los Angeles Lakers (February 1, 2026)
New York State is monitoring the situation at center while dealing with several injuries, particularly among the guards.
| player | situation | injury |
| Miles McBride | outside | ankle |
| jalen brunson | Questionable/in-game decisions | ankle |
| josh hart | i doubt it | ankle |
| mitchell robinson | i doubt it | ankle |
| Karl Anthony Towns | i doubt it | return |
If Brunson and Hart are limited, the Knicks could rely more on OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Immanuel Quickley to support the offense and stabilize the rotation.
Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks recent match results and historical records
The Los Angeles Lakers have performed well in this matchup in recent years, and are in first place in the series overall.
Last 3 seasons (including 2025-26 season):
| team | victory |
| lakers | 3 |
| knicks | 1 |
Los Angeles has won its last two games, including a close one earlier this season.All-time regular season series:
| team | record |
| lakers | 175 wins |
| knicks | 126 wins |
Playing at home gives New York a chance to improve on that record.
Los Angeles Lakers Season Profile
The Lakers run much of their offense with LeBron and Doncic, and they continue to be one of the highest scoring teams in the league.
| category | status |
|---|---|
| Points per game | ~116-118 |
| field goal success rate | ~49-50% |
| 3 point percentage | ~32-33% |
| Assists per game | ～25～26 |
| Evaluation of defensive power | Opponents score ~115 to 117 per 100 possessions |
Los Angeles shoots efficiently and moves the ball well. The defense is solid, but not the best in the league, especially on the perimeter.
New York Knicks Season Profile
The New York Knicks rely on defense, rebounding, and controlled offense.
| category | status |
| Points per game | ~112-114 |
| field goal success rate | ~46-47% |
| 3 point percentage | ~35-36% |
| Evaluation of defensive power | Opponents score ~108-110 per 100 possessions |
| rebound | Strong when Towns and Robinson play. |
The Knicks often slow down the pace and focus on half-court execution, which can confuse teams that prefer a faster game.
Player availability can shape the game
Health may be the deciding factor. If the Lakers acquire a key creator and Reeves returns, his high scoring ability could challenge a Knicks team that may be missing key players. If New York can get enough minutes from Brunson, Towns, and Robinson, defense and rebounding could help control the tempo and limit easy scoring opportunities.
Matches to watch at Madison Square Garden
LeBron has had strong performances in New York throughout his career, so his appearance in New York is noteworthy. A potential matchup between Doncic and Brunson would feature two highly utilized guards who will be a big part of the team’s offense. Frontcourt depth is another area to watch. If the Knicks lack size, the Lakers could look to take advantage during those stretches.With both teams dealing with injuries, the outcome may depend on which team can maintain rotation and perform more consistently.