The LA Lakers will host the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, but the scheduled 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time tip-off might be postponed due to heavy traffic caused by the Los Angeles Marathon. The marathon’s timing and route could result in significant congestion impacting fans, players, and staff trying to arrive on time.
On X, formerly Twitter, the Lakers issued a warning about expected traffic delays affecting road access throughout Los Angeles on Sunday morning. The marathon concludes near the arena, creating a potential challenge for everyone attending or involved in the Knicks-Lakers game.
“TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Please be aware that the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 8 and will significantly impact traffic and road access throughout the city. Please allow plenty of extra time to arrive for the game,” the Lakers tweeted.
This traffic situation is particularly concerning since the matchup marks the only meeting between the New York Knicks and LA Lakers this season, drawing many fans eager to see the return of former Dallas Mavericks teammates Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson face off again. The obstacles posed by marathon-related delays could disrupt the timing for numerous attendees, including coaches and arena personnel, increasing the risk of a late start for the nationally televised event on ABC.
Preview of the Knicks and Lakers Upcoming Encounter
Leading into this game, the New York Knicks began a crucial five-game road trip with a dominant win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday. OG Anunoby stood out with 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while Jalen Brunson had a subdued performance, scoring only nine points on 13 attempts.
Meanwhile, the LA Lakers secured a win against the Indiana Pacers to commence their five-game home stretch, bouncing back after narrowly losing the previous night. Sunday’s event will be the second and last meeting between the two teams this season, following the Knicks’ 112-100 victory against the Lakers on February 1 at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks are eager to complete a season sweep against the Lakers for the first time since 2018-19, although they have struggled to win in Los Angeles since last December. The team will be without Miles McBride, and Landry Shamet’s status remains questionable, but Brunson and other key players are expected to participate. On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James is listed as questionable due to injuries to his left elbow and left foot, adding more uncertainty to their lineup for the anticipated matchup.
Implications of Possible Game Delay and What to Expect
The potential delay caused by the Los Angeles Marathon traffic highlights the broader challenges of hosting major sporting events on the same day as significant city-wide activities. For fans, the risk of missing tip-off or parts of the game is frustrating, especially with the high stakes surrounding this rare Knicks-Lakers faceoff. The delay also brings tension for team operations, as players, coaches, and staff face uncertainties in adhering to their schedules, which might affect game readiness and preparation.
Given that the Lakers announced the traffic advisory early, attendees are urged to plan extra travel time. The eventual outcome of whether the game starts late will depend on how efficiently road access improves post-marathon. With ABC broadcasting nationally, any delay could influence viewership and scheduling across the country.
This clash between two competitive teams, featuring notable stars like Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and potentially LeBron James, continues to attract significant attention. How the game proceeds despite logistical obstacles will be closely watched by fans, media, and the NBA community as a whole.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Please be aware that the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 8 and will significantly impact traffic and road access throughout the city. Please allow plenty of extra time to arrive for the game.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 8, 2026
