The New York Knicks (20-7) will take on the Los Angeles Lakers (13-14) in what should be a highly competitive Christmas Day matchup on Tuesday. While Carmelo Anthony and company clearly had the Lakers' number earlier in the month,oweverHow the outcome could potentially be different this time around with both Pau Gasol and Steve Nash back in the lineup.

The two teams last squared off against each other at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 13. In the game, Bryant racked up 31 points, 10 boards and six assists while Metta World Peace and Dwight Howard collectively totaled 43. However, despite those strong offensive performances, the team still faltered by a score of 116-107.

The loss marked coach Mike D'Antoni's first game back to MSG since his resignation in March, but Anthony explained that he has no hard feelings against his former leader.

"I wanted to beat them. I wanted to beat the Lakers, especially protecting our home court. It had nothing to do with Mike. I wanted to protect our home court and in the basketball game," Carmelo Anthony told ESPN.

Since their defeat to the Knicks nearly two weeks ago, Los Angeles has come a long way, as they're now in the midst of a four-game winning streak. On Saturday, the Lakers were able to pull out a 118-115 victory in OT versus the Golden State Warriors.

The matchup featured the return of Nash, who compiled 12 points along with nine assists. The veteran superstar had been sidelined for close to two months because of a small left leg fracture.

"It's great to be back playing with these guys, it was very painful to sit out," Nash explained.

CLICK HERE to watch the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the New York Knicks via free live stream. Coverage of the NBA game is set to begin at 12 p.m. PST on Christmas Day.

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NBA, Los angeles lakers