LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers follows the action from the sideline during a break in the action against Phoenix Suns in the first half at Staples Center on May 9, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Credit: Getty Images/Kevork Djansezian
The night promised to be a test, maybe even a coming-out party for the Knicks. With a national television audience invited to watch, the Knicks were completing a six-game road trip Tuesday at Staples Center against LeBron James and the Lakers.
Except there was no James.
The Lakers star, who has been rehabilitating a sprained right ankle, had been targeting the game against the Knicks to make his return to the lineup in preparation for the postseason.