Jalen Brunson Cleared to Play for Knicks Against Lakers on February 1, 2026
In a significant development for the New York Knicks, star point guard Jalen Brunson is expected to be available and start in the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1, 2026. This comes as welcome news for the team, which has been managing his recent health concerns, including a right-ankle sprain and a brief illness. Both issues are now considered minor and not serious enough to sideline him for this crucial matchup at Crypto.com Arena.
Recent Injury History and Recovery Timeline
Brunson's availability follows a period of uncertainty due to injuries. He initially sprained his right ankle during a game against the Sacramento Kings on January 15, 2026, forcing him to exit just five minutes into play. This led to him missing several games as the Knicks adjusted without their primary ball handler. Later, he was listed as questionable for a matchup against the Phoenix Suns but has since made a successful return, playing in the team's last four games.
During this recent stretch, Brunson has demonstrated his value by averaging impressive statistics:
- 25.3 points per game
- 5.3 assists per game
- 3.0 rebounds per game
- Approximately 34.5 minutes per game
An additional concern arose when he was downgraded to questionable due to an illness before a recent game against the Toronto Raptors. However, this designation was removed before tipoff, and he played, indicating the team's confidence in his condition.
Ongoing Management of Ankle Issues
This is not the first time Brunson's right ankle has caused problems. In March 2025, he rolled the same ankle during an overtime loss to the Lakers, resulting in a several-week absence. The Knicks struggled to maintain consistency during that period without their lead guard. When the ankle issue resurfaced in January 2026, the team opted for a cautious, day-to-day monitoring approach rather than a long-term holdout. His quick return and steady role suggest the latest sprain was mild, with the focus now on managing his workload to prevent further complications.
Impact on the Knicks-Lakers Matchup
Brunson's presence is vital for the Knicks, particularly in half-court offense scenarios such as pick-and-roll situations and late-game possessions. Averaging over 25 points per game this season, he remains one of the team's most reliable scorers. The Lakers are likely to deploy aggressive defensive strategies, including sending extra defenders and applying strong ball pressure, to force him to give up the ball. If his movement is limited at any point, the Knicks may need increased offensive creation from players like Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa to keep the offense stable.
How to Monitor Last-Minute Updates
Injury statuses in the NBA can change rapidly, often within 90 to 120 minutes before tipoff. To confirm Brunson's availability, fans and analysts should:
- Check the official New York Knicks injury report for the latest updates.
- Follow beat reporters such as Steve Popper and Frank Isola, who typically provide timely updates close to game time.
- Utilize injury trackers that compile status changes in real time.
In the unlikely event that Brunson is unexpectedly ruled out, the Knicks could adjust by giving more backcourt minutes to Tyler Kolek or Jordan Clarkson and running more early offense through OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Conclusion
With Jalen Brunson expected to play against the Lakers, the Knicks regain their primary playmaker, which should help stabilize their offense and keep them competitive in this matchup. His proximity to full strength will likely be evident in his movement and shot selection, but his mere presence on the court is a positive sign for the team as they head into this important game.
