Randle, Knicks Hold Off Lakers 112–108 to Snap 3-game Skid

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on March 12, 2023. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo

LOS ANGELES—Julius Randle scored 33 points in a bounce-back performance, RJ Barrett got 20 of his 30 in the second half, and the New York Knicks snapped their three-game losing streak with a 112–108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, March 12.

Immanuel Quickley had 15 points as the Knicks survived a ferocious late rally by the Lakers to salvage a weekend split in Los Angeles without second-leading scorer Jalen Brunson, who has a bruised left foot.

Los Angeles scored eight straight points down the stretch to make it close, trimming New York’s lead to 110–108 on Dennis Schroder’s layup with 19.3 seconds left. After Los Angeles needed 14 seconds to commit a foul to stop the clock, former Lakers guard Josh Hart hit two free throws to seal it.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, center right, shoots over New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on March 12, 2023. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo

New York hadn’t won since its impressive nine-game winning streak ended a week ago, but Randle added eight rebounds and five assists one day after struggling through a 5–for–24 shooting effort in a loss to the Clippers.

D'Angelo Russell had a season-high 33 points and eight assists despite managing just two points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers, whose three-game winning streak ended with only their fourth loss in 12 games since the trade deadline.

Randle and Russell spent two seasons together as teammates with the Lakers. Russell got off to a scorching start in his highest-scoring performance since rejoining LA, but went 1 for 5 and missed three 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter.

Anthony Davis had 17 points and 16 rebounds, but the Lakers fell behind during an erratic shooting performance by three starters: Malik Beasley, Troy Brown Jr. and Jarred Vanderbilt were a combined 5 for 23, missing 14 of their 16 3-point attempts.

Los Angeles dropped to 4–3 during the latest injury absence for LeBron James, who missed his seventh straight game with a sore right foot.

Randle scored 18 points in the first quarter with help from seven free throws after he complained publicly about the officiating in Saturday’s loss to the Clippers. Russell kept the Lakers close with 23 points in the first half, but Randle’s 3-pointer shortly before halftime put the Knicks up at the break.

Tip-Ins

Knicks: Coach Tom Thibodeau gave no timetable for his return, saying Brunson will “continue to do treatments and see where he is.” Brunson has missed four of New York’s last five games. ... New York beat the Lakers in Los Angeles for the first time in four meetings since 2019.

Lakers: James wasn’t wearing a walking boot when he returned to watch from the Lakers’ bench. He missed their previous two games while apparently taking some time away with his family. Coach Darvin Ham said James’ rehab is “going according to plan,” but it was good for the NBA’s career scoring leader to “unplug a little bit.” ... Los Angeles got 43 combined points from the only four bench players used by Ham.

Up Next

Knicks: Host Portland on Tuesday.

Lakers: At New Orleans on Tuesday.

By Greg Beacham