Lakers at New York Knicks preview

The Lakers (13-34) start a four-game road trip on Sunday, visiting the New York Knicks (9-38) at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks are a rare team, sitting below the Lakers in the standings, but they’ve played well over the past handful of games.

After losing nine straight, the Lakers upset the Chicago Bulls in double overtime on Thursday night, 123-118.

Nick Young (ankle) and Tarik Black (ankle) are questionable for the Lakers. Julius Randle (knee), Steve Nash (back) and Kobe Bryant are done for the season.

Amar’e Stoudemire (ankle), Andrea Bargnani (calf), Jose Calderon (knee) and Travis Wear (hip) aren’t expected to play for the Knicks.

Key matchup

Dealing with all-star Carmelo Anthony is an issue for most teams. New York has had trouble winning games this season but Anthony is still averaging 24.1 points a game.

Power forward Ryan Kelly has recently started out of position at small forward for the Lakers, which could be a problem defensively against the Knicks.

Wesley Johnson may be the Lakers’ best shot at slowing Anthony down,

X-factor

Both the Lakers and Knicks are about player development at this point of the season.

Rookie guard Langston Galloway has done well, helping the Knicks through injuries. Through 10 games, Galloway is averaging 11.9 points with three assists, while shooting 41.3% from the field.

Jordan Clarkson, also a rookie, is the Lakers’ starter at the point. Over the last two games, he’s scored a career-high of 18 points a night.

Outlook

With the win over the Bulls, the Lakers are coming off one of their best games of the season. Nevertheless, though the Knicks are extremely vulnerable, the Lakers may still struggle to get two wins in a row.

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus