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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, center, drives past the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, left, and Quentin Grimes during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James shoots over the New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett, right, as Jalen Brunson, left, watches during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. James had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 129-123 overtime win. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The New York Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley drives past the Lakers’ Dennis Schroder during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Anthony Davis defends a shot by the New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura shoots over the New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura celebrates after making a 3-pointer during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, left, defends the New York Knicks’ Julius Randle during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura reacts to a call during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook passes the ball during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Troy Brown Jr. shoots over the New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson takes a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson reacts to an official’s call against him during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura drives past the New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura celebrates after making a shot during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Lakers star LeBron James, left, passes the ball as the New York Knicks’ Jericho Sims defends during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson takes a 3-point shot to beat the first-quarter buzzer as the Lakers’ Troy Brown Jr. defends on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Anthony Davis, right, and the New York Knicks’ Jericho Sims battle for a rebound during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks’ Julius Randle tries to get to the basket as the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura defends during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley gestures after he made a 3-pointer during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Lakers star LeBron James shoots during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Lakers star LeBron James looks on during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The New York Knicks’ Julius Randle, left, takes a shot as the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura defends on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura drives past the New York Knicks’ Quentin Grimes during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Anthony Davis reacts to a play during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, left, drives past the Lakers’ Russell Westbrook after stealing a pass intended for him during the first half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura drives as the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson defends during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James shows his frustration after a call during the second half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Anthony Davis gets past the New York Knicks’ Jericho Sims for a layup during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook handles the ball during the second half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Russell Westbrook, center, looks to pass as the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson (11), Immanuel Quickley (5) and Quentin Grimes (6) defend during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, left, and Anthony Davis, right, defend the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson during overtime on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Lakers head coach Darvin Ham talks to Max Christie during the second half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura dunks as the New York Knicks’ Julius Randle defends on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James drives past the New York Knicks’ Julius Randle during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett pushes the ball up the court during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook shoots over the New York Knicks’ Quentin Grimes and Isaiah Hartenstein, left, during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Russell Westbrook, right, shoots over the New York Knicks’ Quentin Grimes and Isaiah Hartenstein, left, during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James handles the ball during the second half of their overtime win against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. James moved from sixth to fourth on the NBA’s career assists list with 11 in the 129-123 victory. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Anthony Davis, center, and the New York Knicks’ Quentin Grimes, left, and Isaiah Hartenstein jockey for position ahead of a possible rebound during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Lakers guard Dennis Schroder takes a shot during the second half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Russell Westbrook defends during the second half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Anthony Davis knocks the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson down during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. Davis was called for a charging foul on the play. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Lakers guard Patrick Beverley, who sat out, looks on from the bench during a pause in play in the second half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James, right, passes the ball as the New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein defends in overtime on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Lakers guard Russell Westbrook makes a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James gets to the basket as the New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein defends during the final minute of their game on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. James had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 129-123 overtime win. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James gets to the basket as the New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein defends during the final minutes of their game on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. James had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 129-123 overtime win. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura (28) celebrates with LeBron James (6) and Russell Westbrook (0) as the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson walks past them after James scored during the second half on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson shows his frustration after their overtime loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Lakers star LeBron James leaves the court after their overtime victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. James had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 129-123 win. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura warms up before their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura watches from the bench during the first half of their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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The Lakers’ LeBron James tosses powder before their game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Actor/TV host Jon Stewart and actor/comedian Pete Davidson attend the game between the Lakers and the New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK — The Big Apple always expects a show when LeBron James comes to Madison Square Garden. A three-year delay between appearances seemed to only have whet the appetite.
James wasn’t perfect, nor were the Lakers, who bumbled their way into an overtime affair against the New York Knicks. But after four straight losses when forced into extra time, the Lakers finally rose to the challenge on Tuesday night – and James picked a key moment to help push them over the top.
As Dennis Schröder tried to dribble out the shot clock, James caught the Knicks’ defense sleeping and made a cut to the rim and laid in a feed from Schröder with 19 seconds left, the dagger in a 129-123 Lakers win and a needed victory for a team in the middle of a five-game road trip.
James finished with a team-high 28 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists – his first triple-double of the season. Anthony Davis added 27 points in his third game back from injury, and Russell Westbrook had three of his eight assists in overtime playing a critical role in the win. They survived 37 points from the cool-headed Jalen Brunson, who was at the helm of several sequences that kept the Knicks in it.
The key action that helped the Lakers survive OT was a side pick-and-roll that saw Westbrook at the helm. Within the first two possessions, he helped create layups for James and Davis, getting the Lakers (24-28) off to a rip-roaring offensive start they’ve rarely found during overtime periods.
“It felt a lot more controlled, like we had control of the game, which is important,” Westbrook said. “Especially in overtime, every possession matters.”
Overtime wouldn’t have been possible without an epic Lakers meltdown in regulation. They looked to have it in the bag with 1:41 remaining when James nailed an above-the-break 3-pointer to push the lead to six points. The Lakers had a lineup on the floor with Rui Hachimura, Troy Brown and Russell Westbrook around James and Davis, looking for defensive stopping power.
But things went awry soon after. Brunson made a shot 10 seconds after the timeout, then a long rebound glanced off the hands of Hachimura out of bounds for a critical turnover. Quentin Grimes scored a second-chance bucket – two of 15 second-chance points the Lakers gave up on Tuesday night – to cut it two, then Brunson tied the score with 24 seconds left.
Brunson again was at the front of the Knicks’ heroics on defense, where he stepped in to draw his second charge of the night against Davis on a pick-and-roll drive by the Lakers’ big man. Julius Randle (23 points) couldn’t get a shot off before the regulation buzzer, sending the Lakers to their sixth overtime game this season.
Extra time has been largely troubling for the Lakers this season – they had not won since their first OT game on Nov. 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans. But the Lakers felt that they gained some momentum in the final 3.9 seconds when Davis, then James defended Randle to stop him from getting off a look.
“(After) disappointment after disappointment after disappointment, it’s time to have encouragement,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “And a win like this gives you tons of encouragement.”
The Lakers weren’t particularly blistering to begin the game, but the Knicks (27-25) were particularly underwhelming. The visitors got out to a 15-5 lead with New York shooting a rim-clunking 2 for 15 from the floor – only Brunson made a basket in the first 7½ minutes.
But the Knicks’ quickly caught up, thanks to Lakers turnovers and their own weak 3-point shooting. The Lakers were only 3 for 17 from behind the arc in the first half – and the last basket of the opening half was a half-court bank shot heave from Schröder that made even him shake his head in disbelief. The Lakers had shot 33% or less from 3-point range in eight of their previous 11 games, and with another early frigid display, the Knicks’ defense collapsed in on the paint.
One of the bright spots was Hachimura, who was 8 for 12 for 19 points and has emerged just a week since his Lakers debut as one of the team’s best transition threats. He took on much of the job of guarding Randle, who was 6 for 19. A sky-high block was nearly called a goaltend in the closing minutes, but thanks to an official review and Hachimura’s athletic ability, they were spared two points.
“I knew it was a block. But it was close,” Hachimura said. “But they took forever to review the call. I got a little nervous, but I knew it wasn’t goaltending.”
James wasn’t immune from the shooting struggles: He missed all three of his 3-point attempts in the first half, air-balling a second-quarter look and then rimming out a technical free throw moments later. It was a frustrating start for a player who had drawn out stars like Chris Rock, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone and Michael J. Fox for his first appearance in the Garden since Jan. 22, 2020.
But James’ playmaking picked up for his scoring slack: He had five assists in the first half, and midway through the third quarter as he passed to Thomas Bryant for an off-the-glass bucket to pull even with Mark Jackson (10,334) for fifth all-time in career assists. Then on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter, James passed to Troy Brown Jr. for a corner 3-pointer and to Bryant for a dunk to tie, then pass, Steve Nash (10,335) to take sole possession of fourth place.
James is the only player in NBA history to be even top-10 in both career points and assists – much less top-five in both. And now he’s just 89 points from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) to become the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
When James was asked if the approach of the record feels heavier now, he said flatly that it isn’t. Any pressure is outweighed by the sense of inevitability.
“I mean, it’s just a matter of time when I’m going to do it,” he said. “It’s not heavy. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years. I’m going to do it. It’s not heavy at all.”
LeBron lays it in 👑
Lakers lead 127-121 in OT on TNT. pic.twitter.com/jyAMtbBSfo
— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2023
“I’m happy to be linked with some of the greats.” @KingJames on reaching another milestone and moving to fourth on all-time assists. pic.twitter.com/d3pj6w7HOF
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 1, 2023
Darvin Ham with his takeaways from tonight’s overtime win over the Knicks and the significance of LeBron moving to 4th in all-time assists. pic.twitter.com/4easp3q9hO
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 1, 2023
.@AntDavis23 (27 PTS, 9 REB) with @LakersReporter on the #Lakers execution down the stretch and how he felt in his third game back. pic.twitter.com/QBnBCqrmZm
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 1, 2023
“It felt like we had control of the game.” @russwest44 on the #Lakers overtime execution and the pick and roll threat with him and AD. pic.twitter.com/fO740vIaST
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 1, 2023
That’s Tuff 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hqPdcJKTUU
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 1, 2023