By Joel Bartilotta, RotoWire

LAS VEGAS — The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 109-92 in the Las Vegas Summer League at Cox Pavilion on Tuesday.

While the Lakers led for all but a few minutes of this game, it took some major swings to secure the win. In fact, Los Angeles blew a 25-point second half lead at one point, as New York ended the third quarter on a 28-3 run to tie the game. The Knicks were able to grab their largest lead of three points to start the fourth quarter, but the Lakers responded with 16 unanswered to re-take control and cruise to victory.

Defense was key for Los Angeles, recording nine steals while winning the turnover differential, 18-11. Getting to the free-throw line was also huge for the Lakers, as they went 27-of-36 from the charity stripe.

The Lakers (3-0) got a gem out of Josh Hart, who tallied 27 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Alex Caruso was the second-best starter, as he accrued five points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Jeff Ayres led the bench with 17 points and four boards on 7-of-7 shooting from the field, while Xavier Rathan-Mayes provided 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals off the pine as well.

The Knicks (1-2) were led by first-round pick Kevin Knox. The 6-foot-9 forward collected a game-high 29 points, to go along with nine rebounds and two assists. Mitchell Robinson amassed 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Allonzo Trier accumulated 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on 8-of-13 shooting. Troy Williams led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.