With the return of LeBron James, the Lakers (26–28) ditched deep and completed their biggest comeback of the season, registering a 122–115 win over the New York Knicks.
The Lakers were trailing 42-29 at the end of the first quarter. The Knicks were hitting on all cylinders and looked like they were on their way to an easy victory over the national broadcast.
Despite the odds, Purple and Gould were able to find a rhythm and, using the third quarter of 31-13, not only came back into the game, but took the lead for the first time all evening.
A back-and-forth final frame gave spectators a free basketball after Knicks guard RJ Barrett shot down a three-pointer to send the contest into overtime.
From there, Lake Show dominated the overtime period and came up with a seven-point victory. The hard work he put in did not go in vain.
LeBron James missed the last five games due to a swelling in his knee, but based on his performance tonight, you wouldn't have guessed he had any such problems. LBJ finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal for his fourth triple-double of the season (the first since December 28 against Houston).
LeBron's back and not skipping a beat 👑
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 6, 2022
(📺: ABC) pic.twitter.com/J7aOK7WQ3N
Anthony Davis and Malik Monk were the other major factors coming from behind the victory. Davis finished the game high in 41 minutes with 28 points, 17 rebounds, four blocks, three assists and three steals, good for his third double-double in his last four games.
Monk started his game in third place and thrashed the entire Knicks squad 18-13 throughout the quarter. He ended the night with 29 points and two assists. The trio finished a combined 37-of-63 (58.7%) off the field.
Some big numbers #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/Jd4Y1MjWbT
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 6, 2022
With the overtime win, the Lakers improved to 6–1 in extra time, marking the most wins and most games played in the OT by any team in the league.
In the last 42-straight games, the Knicks had won each time with a lead of 20 or more points.
until tonight.
LA will continue to play in front of a national audience when they take on the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday on TNT.
#LakersWin pic.twitter.com/Ga7afIfsSP
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 6, 2022