Knicks vs. Lakers, NBA Christmas Day 2012: Preview and TV schedule

The New York Knicks will be a part of the NBA's Christmas Day showcase this season, traveling across the country to face the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks and Lakers will play the second game of the day at 3 p.m. Eastern time at Staples Center.

So far this season the Knicks and the Lakers' fortunes have been headed in opposite directions. The Knicks have lost just seven times on the season and lead the Atlantic Division while the Lakers have dropped 14 games and are a game under .500 overall. The Knicks defeated the Lakers despite 31 points and 10 rebounds by Kobe Bryant in a Dec. 13 meeting at Madison Square Garden. The Christmas Day meeting will finish the season series between the teams.

The Knicks are led by Carmelo Anthony's 28.3 points per game but also get a near double-double average from center Tyson Chandler (12.8 points, 9.9 rebounds per game). The Lakers get most of their scoring from Kobe Bryant (29.7 points per game) but like the Knicks also have their center Dwight Howard getting double-double figures (17.8 points, 11.9 rebounds) per game.

Game Time: 3 p.m. ET

Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA

TV: ABC

Season Series Information: Knicks lead 1-0 (won 116-107, Dec. 13)