COACH MIKE BROWN UTILIZES KNICKS' DEPTH DURING LANDRY SHAMET’S INJURY RECOVERY
Landry Shamet has resumed full basketball activities! Read the latest on his shoulder recovery and the Knicks' New Orleans road trip.
The NBA trade rumour mill is heating up, and word is the Knicks are sniffing around for a defensive-minded guard, especially with the recent injury updates.
The Knicks are hitting the road, heading to New Orleans to play the Pelicans in the Smoothie King Centre. The starting lineup is still up in the air, but there's some good news coming from behind the scenes that could help the team long term.
Even though the Knicks are dealing with some guys out for the short term, one name fans know is making progress as the season hits its stride.
Good News on Key Guard's Recovery
SNY's Ian Begley says Landry Shamet is back to doing full basketball drills as he recovers from his shoulder injury.
Begley said Shamet is now getting ready to start practising with contact, which is a big step. From the start, the team thought Shamet would make a full recovery without needing surgery, and that's still the plan.
If all goes well, Shamet should be back sometime next month.
The Knicks haven't set a date for his return, but this update makes it sound like he's getting better consistently.
Landry Shamet (shoulder) is now doing all basketball activities, but he still needs to be cleared for contact. @IanBegley reports he could be back next month.
Why This Matters for the Knicks
Shamet's been out, and while it hasn't been a huge story, it's changed how the Knicks put their lineups together.
Before he got hurt, Shamet had earned Coach Mike Brown's trust early on. He started a few games and played almost 21 minutes a night in his first 15 games. He was a reliable shooter, stayed calm under pressure, and understood spacing, which helped the lineups flow.
Since then, other injuries have forced the Knicks to go deeper into their bench. Instead of sticking with a tight rotation, Brown has been flexible, letting younger guys step up and take on important roles.
This changes things when Shamet gets back. Instead of being needed right away, he can come back as another option—a seasoned guard who fits in without messing things up.
I'm curious to see how the rotations will work once Deuce and Shamet are back.
Knicks' Depth Is Now a Strength
One good thing that's happened for the Knicks this season is how they've handled tough times.
Instead of running Jalen Brunson into the ground, the Knicks have spread the responsibilities around, trusting younger players like Tyler Kolek and Kevin McCullar. This has helped keep the bench players steady and the team consistent, even though the lineups change a lot.
When Shamet comes back, he'll be another useful player on a team that's already shown it can adjust on the fly.
The Final Word for the Knicks
The Knicks are trying to win their third game in a row in New Orleans.
They'll have to do it without Shamet for now, but since he's getting closer to being cleared, the Knicks are getting ready to add another good player in 2026.
This kind of progress is important for a team that's been relying on depth and being able to adapt.
For now, the road trip goes on. The lineup keeps changing. And the Knicks keep finding ways to stay on track.
LEBRON JAMES CONFIRMS COACHES’ MANDATE TO PLAY OFF-BALL DESPITE MOUNTING LAKERS LOSSES
The Lakers finish December as one of the NBA's worst teams. We analyse LeBron's adjusted role and the 128-106 Pistons loss.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 watch the game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025.
After the Lakers got crushed by the Detroit Pistons, 128-106, on his 41st birthday, LeBron James had a lot to say.
The most surprising thing he said was that the Lakers' coaches told him to play off the ball this season.
“I haven’t really been on the ball much,” James told reporters after the game. He finished with 17 points, four assists, four rebounds, and five turnovers, shooting 6-for-17.
“If the coaches want me to play on-ball, I can do that. But I’ve mostly been off the ball this year.”
Austin Reaves Being Hurt Matters
James said he could handle the ball more with Austin Reaves injured, but JJ Redick hasn’t asked him to.
"I can get back into it, but you have to get into the rhythm," he said. AR and Luka [Doncic] usually run the offence, and Marcus [Smart] is helping out now.
When asked if he cares either way, James said, Nah. Whatever helps us win. It doesn't matter.”
LeBron James: Lowest USG% Ever
The stats back up what James is saying.
In the first 15 games, his usage rate (USG%) is 26.1, the lowest in his 23-year career. It was even lower in November (22.1%) when he was getting used to being the third option after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Last season, James's USG% was 29.1, 28.5 the year before, and 32.2 in 2022-23. In 2020, when the Lakers won the title, it was 30.8 in the regular season and 29.6 in the playoffs.
Also, his points plus assists are at a career low. When James is playing, he assists on 37.4% of the Lakers' baskets, down more than five points from last year.
Lakers Offence Struggles
Interestingly, James is talking about his role right after Redick said the offence has been disorganised since James came back in mid-November.
Since Bron's been back, our offence hasn't been as organised, Redick said this week. Too many random plays. That's on me.
Earlier in the season, the Lakers struggled on defence. Now, their offence is also struggling. In 12 December games, they're averaging just 112.4 points, down from 120.6 in November. Their assists have also dropped from 26.1 to 22.8.
The Lakers (5-7) were among the worst teams in the league in December, ranking 22nd in WIN%, 24th in points, last in assists, and 26th in defensive rating. They'll try to turn things around against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
UNDERDOG ALABAMA TARGETS A ROSE BOWL UPSET AGAINST UNDEFEATED INDIANA NOW
Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza leads No. 1 Indiana against Ty Simpson and Alabama in a historic Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal clash.
Get ready for a clash of titans as Alabama and Indiana battle it out in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl this Thursday in Pasadena, California.
Even though Alabama has a rich history, it's coming into this game as the underdog, ready to prove its worth.
Indiana, once the program with the most losses in college football, is now the top seed and the only undefeated team, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Talk about a turnaround.
"I want to shut down all quarterbacks, Heisman winner or not," said Alabama's defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack.
The winner of the Indiana-Alabama game will face either Texas Tech or Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9 in Atlanta.
Indiana isn't just trying to keep their amazing season going. They're trying to shake things up after last year's playoff, where all four first-round winners beat the top seeds.
Would I want to play earlier? Probably, to be honest, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. But that's not how it is. We're excited to play.
Mendoza throws for an average of 229.2 yards per game, with 33 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Plus, he's run in six touchdowns himself.
But Alabama's defence has been tough on quarterbacks this season, ranking as one of the best in stopping passing plays, allowing only 168.4 yards per game.
Recently, Alabama is fresh off a 34-24 win against Oklahoma in the first round on December 19.
Alabama's quarterback, Ty Simpson, had some struggles but bounced back against Oklahoma. He averages 250 passing yards per game, with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The biggest difference between the teams is their running game. Indiana is among the best in the nation, averaging 221.2 rushing yards per game. Alabama, on the other hand, has struggled, with only 109.9 rushing yards per game.
"I see how well (the Hoosiers') players work together," Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. They just make plays. When they have a chance, they make it happen.
Indiana has only been to the Rose Bowl once, losing to USC back in 1967.
Alabama is making its ninth appearance, with a record of 5-2-1. Their last time here was two seasons ago, losing to Michigan in overtime in the CFP semifinal. The Crimson Tide also won the 2009 national title against Texas in this stadium.
Cignetti was Alabama's wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator during that championship run.
While Cignetti knows all about Alabama's past, DeBoer is familiar with what Cignetti has achieved with Indiana. DeBoer was the Hoosiers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach back in 2019.
Mendoza should have one of his best receivers back this Thursday.
Omar Cooper Jr., who got hurt early in the Big Ten title game, is ready to go for the Rose Bowl. Cooper leads Indiana with 58 catches for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Alabama is also getting a key player back, with LT Overton returning to the field. Overton missed the Southeastern Conference championship game and the first-round win against Oklahoma due to sickness.