Lakers vs. Knicks

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is fouled by Knicks forward Bill Walker as he elevates toward the basket in the second quarter Thursday night at Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant saves the ball from going out of bounds in the second quarter of the game against the Knicks on Thursday night at Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) tries to escape the defensive pressure of Lakers fowards Metta World Peace (left) and Josh McRoberts (background) in the first half Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol blocks the shot of Knicks power forward Amare Stoudemire on Thursday night at Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers foward Devin Ebanks (3) has the ball knocked away by Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and center Tyson Chandler on Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant blocks the shot of Knicks forward Bill Walker during Thursday night’s game at Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol dunks against the Knicks on Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forward Matt Barnes loses control of the ball after he’s fouled by Knicks center Tyson Chandler on Thursday night at Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers point guard Steve Blake picks up a loose ball that teammate Josh McRoberts and Knicks forward Steve Novak battled over during their game Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

A trio of Lakers, (from left) Pau Gasol, Josh McRoberts and Kobe Bryant, try to preven Knicks center Tyson Chandler from scoring under the basket on Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers Coach Mike Brown gives a hug to forward Josh McRoberts after he scored against the Knicks in the first half Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Jeff Gross / Getty Images)

Lakers power foward Pau Gasol defends against Knicks center Tyson Chandler at the rim in the first half Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Jeff Gross / Getty Images)

Lakers power forward Troy Murphy battles New York’s Bill Walker (center) and Josh Harrellson for a loose ball in the first half Thursday night at Staples Center.   (Paul Buck / EPA)

Lakers power forward Pau Gasol works in the post against Knicks center Tyson Chandler during the first half Thursday night at Staples Center.  (Paul Buck / EPA)