Knicks Keep Landry Shamet, Stifle Lakers’ Pursuit

Lakers Look to Bolster Wing Depth

Los Angeles entered the 2026‑27 offseason seeking additional wing talent to satisfy Luka Doncic and keep the franchise competitive for a championship. The 17‑time champions moved quickly, signing Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes to address their perimeter void. Those acquisitions were part of a broader effort to fill gaps left by departing or unsigned players.

When the Knicks’ historic 6‑foot‑5 guard, Landry Shamet, became a free agent, the Lakers made an aggressive push for his services. Their interest was highlighted in reports from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who noted the team’s interest in adding Shamet to their backcourt. However, the Knicks ultimately sealed the deal, leaving the Lakers to pivot after the signing.

Knicks Re‑Sign Shamet to Four‑Year, $24 Million Deal

On Monday the franchise officially announced the re‑signing of Landry Shamet, a four‑year contract worth $24 million. The 29‑year‑old (6‑ft‑5, 198 lb) averaged 9.3 points on a 39.2 % three‑point clip, along with 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 23.0 minutes per game across 51 contests. The press release highlighted his role as a reliable secondary scorer for the team.

Shamet’s most memorable stretch came during the 2026 postseason, where he produced 6.0 points and 1.1 rebounds per game while hitting 47.5 % from deep. He finished the run with 29 threes, setting a new Knicks record for most three‑pointers in a single postseason. His sharpshooting also earned him a spot among only 16 playoff contributors to shoot 45 % or better from beyond the arc.

Clutch Moment vs. Cleveland

The Eastern Conference Finals featured a pivotal game‑tying three from Shamet against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The shot knotted the contest at 99, prompting a dramatic 22‑point comeback that gave the Knicks a 1‑0 series edge. Without that basket, the Knicks may have struggled to recover from an early deficit.

Off the bench Shamet registered a career‑high 36 points, three assists and two rebounds versus Miami on November 14, 2025. That performance tied Bernard King and J.R. Smith for the 10th most bench‑scored points in franchise history. His ability to deliver in high‑pressure situations cemented his reputation as a reliable late‑game option.

What This Means for New York

Retaining Shamet gives the Knicks a proven secondary scorer who can thrive on the biggest stages. His three‑point proficiency and clutch performances provide depth that complements the newly signed Sexton and Grimes. The four‑year commitment signals the franchise’s confidence in his role as a playoff‑ready wing.

From a roster‑building perspective, the deal also squashes any lingering speculation about potential trades. By securing Shamet, the Knicks lock in a player who already ranks as the franchise’s all‑time postseason three‑point leader. That stability allows the front office to focus on other areas if needed.