In the absence of superstar forward LeBron James and All-Star big man Anthony Davis, the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers haven't been able to keep up with the resurgent New York Knicks at the world-famous Madison Square Garden. However, the short-handed Lakers have been able to get their role players more minutes on Monday evening in the “Big Apple” as guard Alex Caruso and swingman Talen Horton-Tucker have been taking full advantage of the opportunity.

Although this particular squad is far from the “Showtime Lakers” of old, Caruso found Horton-Tucker for an impressive alley-oop which might have brought back a memory or two for fans of the heralded Western Conference franchise.

Not only did Caruso complete this stellar pass, but his teammate in Horton-Tucker was able to stuff it home in style as well.

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With the tandem of James and Davis slated to miss at least a few more weeks, it will be interesting to see if the Lakers can continue to stay afloat in their absence. Of course, traveling across the country to play a red-hot Knicks team isn't the easiest task in the world, but head coach Frank Vogel has his team playing competitive basketball as of late as Los Angeles entered the franchise's Monday evening clash against New York with a 33-20 record.

As it stands today, the Lakers sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, L.A. Clippers, and Denver Nuggets sitting ahead of the defending champions. The Lakers remain two full games ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers as well.