LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Lakers Lose to KAT, Knicks as NBA Fans Call Out LA's 2nd-Half Struggles

The Los Angeles Lakers would probably like that second half back.

The New York Knicks beat L.A. 112-100 on Sunday evening, paced by 25 points from OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet's 23 points off the bench and double-doubles from Jalen Brunson (12 points, 13 assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (11 points, 13 rebounds).

But the Lakers were also outscored by 16 points in the second half, as the defense abandoned them in the third quarter (38 points allowed) and the shots stopped falling in the fourth (18 points scored).

Luka Dončić (30 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists) and LeBron James (22 points, six assists) did their thing as usual. But fans and pundits alike lamented L.A.'s second-half struggles, among other disappointments:

If you're a fan of terrible shooting, this Lakers performance was an instant classic. L.A. shot 12-of-42 from beyond the arc (29 percent) while allowing the Knicks to hit on 18-of-42 from deep (43 percent). That's an 18-point swing from three, certainly a major factor in New York's 12-point win.

Credit to the Knicks for playing excellent team basketball (30 assists) and for hitting their shots. But the Lakers also were rocked on the boards (47-36 advantage for the Knicks), allowing New York to pull down 15 offensive rebounds.

The loss dropped the Lakers to 29-19 on the season and seventh in the Western Conference, while the Knicks are now 31-18 and second in the East.