Lakers fall to Carmelo Anthony (36 points) and the Knicks, 110-103

NEW YORK -- The Lakers ended their seven-game Grammy trip the same way they started it.

Another loss.

The New York Knicks beat the Lakers, 110-103, behind 35 points from Carmelo Anthony at Madison Square Garden.

Jodie Meeks had 24 point while Pau Gasol and Manny Harris each had 18 points for the Lakers (16-29), who went 2-5 on their longest trip of the season.

It wasn’t a matchup for the ages. Not since 1960 had the Knicks and Lakers played each other with both teams 10 or more games below .500, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

The Lakers’ defense was, as usual, peaceful and accommodating. The Lakers gave up 100 or more points for a 12th consecutive game, something they hadn’t done since 1988-89.

Anthony was again a factor Sunday after springing for a Madison Square Garden record 62 points against Charlotte on Friday. With the Lakers down by three points in the final minutes, Anthony scored on a a mid-range shot over rookie forward Ryan Kelly and again on a driving layup for a 105-98 lead.

Kelly, a second-round draft pick, was assigned to defend Anthony most of the game.

The Lakers are 3-16 since Dec. 21, and their prospects for a victory won’t get easier when they get home. They play Eastern Conference front-runner Indiana (34-9) on Tuesday at Staples Center.

Knicks 51, Lakers 47 (halftime)

The Lakers were able to slow down Carmelo Anthony, who has 20 points, but trailed the New York Knicks, 51-47, at halftime Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

Anthony scored 62 points Friday against Charlotte, breaking Kobe Bryant’s record of 61 at Madison Square Garden.

Anthony was initially guarded by rookie Ryan Kelly, who picked up two quick fouls and was replaced by Wesley Johnson with 8:32 left in the first quarter.

Pau Gasol continued his solid play on offense, scoring 12 points in the first half for the Lakers (16-28), who are on the last stop of their seven-game Grammy trip.

Nick Young started in place of Johnson and had seven points in the first half.

The Lakers were figid from three-point range, making only two of 12 (16.7%).

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