Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating Los Angeles Lakers

Nov 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) brings the ball up court against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 96-86. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Get Carmelo Anthony Going

Apologies for beating a dead horse, but this is going to be a primary key to victory until Carmelo Anthony gets his legs under him. If that doesn’t happen, it’ll be referenced until ‘Melo develops a set shot.

One way or another, the New York Knicks need the franchise player to play like a franchise player.

Anthony isn’t performing as poorly as Kobe Bryant, but he’s struggled mightily. He’s shooting 36.6 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from 3-point range.

Thus far, Anthony has registered just one game at or above 40 percent shooting from the floor.

Fortunately for the Knicks, that one game was a 37-point eruption that reminded fans of how dangerous ‘Melo is. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo even went on record to say that Anthony is, “The most dangerous man in the NBA.”

Against a Los Angeles Lakers team that ‘Melo can can exploit, he needs to be at his very best.

Next: Notoriously Dominant