There was no guarantee Landry Shamet was going to make this year’s Knicks. Shamet didn’t re-sign until mid-September. A little over a month later, Shamet earned the final roster spot, aided by the sudden retirement of backup guard Malcolm Brogdon.

It was more competitive, too, as the Knicks late in his career are no longer the pushovers they were when his teams ruled the Eastern Conference. The Knicks outscored the Lakers 38-26 in the third quarter,

The Lakers had one of the frontrunners for MVP, along with arguably the best-ever on the court. But the Knicks had far more depth. Advantage: depth. Games like this are what the Knicks envisioned when they built the supporting cast around Jalen Brunson.

Landry Shamet, OG Anunoby & Josh Hart combined for 68 pts on 25-for-39 shooting in NYK's win over Lakers. Knicks have won 6 in a row following 2-9 stretch. NYK defense held LAL to 44 pts in 2nd half.

Three bold predictions for the New York Knicks vs the Los Angeles Lakers at MSG. Will defensive intensity decide this showdown?