Knicks: Ranking 7 most entertaining potential Christmas Day opponents

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates after hitting the game winning shot with 1.7 second left on the clock against the Miami Heat at Miami-Dade on March 03, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

3 of 7

New York Knicks Julius Randle (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

5. Los Angeles Lakers

If there’s one Western Conference opponent that would make sense for the New York Knicks, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers. Two of the most storied franchises in the NBA squaring off on Christmas Day would quite possibly be the headlining matchup of the day. LeBron James. Anthony Davis. Jalen Brunson. RJ Barrett. Julius Randle. The list goes on and on. Not to mention, both the Knicks and Lakers are projected to be dark horse championship contenders in their respective conferences heading into the season.

A Lakers-Knicks matchup would make a ton of sense and would offer great intrigue and entertainment.

However, for as much of a premier matchup as the Knicks and Lakers would offer for the NBA’s Christmas Day slate, I can’t imagine this is a pairing that has a great chance of coming together. I don’t believe the NBA would make either team have to travel across the country on Christmas. Because of that, while it would be intriguing, I can’t rank it higher due to the unlikelihood of the possibility.

Don’t get me wrong, Knicks-Lakers is extremely entertaining. Especially if everyone is healthy for the matchup. It’s just not going to happen. Not on Christmas Day.

Home/Knicks News