The champions of the inaugural In-Season tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers participated with confidence. LeBron James’ men aimed to repeat the recent victories. But 50-point scorer Jalen Brunson’s men did not have it easy as they had to shed blood for this win.

Jalen Brunson scored 29 points and paired well with Julius Randle, scoring 37 points and 14 rebounds.  LeBron James scored their 109th career triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Anthony Davis added 32 points and 14 rebounds.  It was a tight contest before Randle broke the deadlock with four free throws in 25 seconds.  But victory came at a price as Randle sustained four stitches in the lip. He played for 47 minutes and added 27 points,14 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Isiah Hartenstien played for  39 minutes and added a career-high 17 rebounds and 9 points but was bloodied at multiple spots. Brunson had a welt under the eye.

But that alone was not the only price the Knicks paid with injury for the victory. Taj Gibson played for 6 minutes and showed signs of limping in the match. Jericho Sims played for 3 minutes and the Knicks announced his sprained right ankle. As the two teams are going for newer encounters in the busy schedule they already have a baggage of injuries.

Before the match, the Knicks had ruled out Jacob Topin, Mitchell Robinson, and Martin Charlie Brown Jr. The franchise will face the Brooklyn Nets next and have piled many more injuries with the Lakers.

For the Lakers, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Christian Wood didn’t play as was expected. However, LeBron James and Anthony James played despite their questionable status before the match. LA will face the Chicago Bull on Dec 21 at Uniter Center and it will be interesting to see who will be available to play.

How costly was the victory for the New York Knicks? How will affect them in the tournament ahead? Let us know in the comments.