Dave McMenaminMar 9, 2026, 08:24 AM Close Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09. LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers were missing one of their best players and beat one of the league's best teams in Sunday's 110-97 win over the New York Knicks . LeBron James was a late scratch because of a left elbow contusion and arthritis in his left foot, but L.A.'s team defense, combined with offensive outbursts from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves , gave the Lakers control of the game. L.A. held the NBA's No. 3 offense to just 42.7% with 19 turnovers -- and 20 points below the Knicks' season scoring average. "We definitely need to be a better defensive team, and I think we're showing that we can do it," Doncic said. Lakers coach JJ Redick said the team defense was apparent in the multiple efforts made by his players on ea...