There is an obvious reason the tickets are so expensive. This game could be a part of history.
The Knicks, riding a five-game winning streak, host the Lakers on Sunday in what could possibly be LeBron James’ last game at Madison Square Garden.
He is set to be a free agent after the season and has not yet committed to anything — to playing another season, to rejoining the Lakers, to going elsewhere.
The average purchase price on secondary markets is $912, according to TickPick — making it the most expensive NBA game since Kobe Bryant’s final game in 2016. The lowest get-in price is $455.
Two prominent Knicks know the experience of being part of LeBron teams. Josh Hart played one season with him on the Lakers, and Mike Brown coached him for five seasons during LeBron’s first stint with the Cavaliers.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (R) and New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (L) try and control a loose ball in the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA, Saturday, February 1, 2025. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
“It was cool,” Hart told The Post. “Obviously, learned a lot in terms of on the court, how to execute. But also how to take care of your body, make sure your body is built for an 82-plus game season. If it is [his last game at MSG], obviously a historic career. Hopefully he doesn’t go crazy in front of the city and MSG.”
Hart has one ask for Knicks fans in attendance.
“Obviously,” he said, “they should give him a good ovation.”
Brown and LeBron reached an NBA Finals together in the 2006-07 season, but were swept by the Spurs. They failed to return as a pair, losing in the second round to the Celtics, in the conference finals to the Magic and in the second round to the Celtics again the subsequent three seasons. Brown was fired after the 2009-10 season.
Brown also has experience with the Lakers, leading them for one-plus seasons — he was fired just five games into his second season in charge.
LeBron James and head coach Mike Brown of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk on the sidelines during the game against the Utah Jazz at Quicken Loans Arena on November 14, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NBAE via Getty Images
“He’s gotta be, if he’s not, the smartest guy that I’ve been around, in terms of feel and all that stuff,” Brown said. “He’s definitely top three. Unbelievable talent, unbelievable human being. He’s done a lot for the community, he’s done a lot for the NBA.”
LeBron, now 41 and in his 23rd season, has called MSG his “favorite playground,” dubbed himself the King of New York and long dominated the World’s Most Famous Arena. He’s played 32 games there, owning a 24-9 record.
There was a 50-point showing in 2008, a triple-double in 2010, a 52-point outburst in 2009, another triple-double in 2023 and plenty more memorable performances.
“I can’t say this is the same as any other road game,” LeBron said earlier in his career. “Because this is the Mecca.”
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Josh Hart during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 18, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NBAE via Getty Images
On Wednesday, LeBron was emotional as the Cavaliers honored him with a tribute video ahead of what was possibly his last game in Cleveland. After Cleveland and Miami, MSG is the most notable road venue in which he could be making his swan song this year.
Uncertainty over his future has hovered over this Lakers season. They continue to fluctuate between looking like true contenders and something less than that. Luka Doncic has largely taken over as the face of the franchise. In fact, LeBron has become their third leading scorer, with Austin Reaves ahead of him.
Still, LeBron is averaging 21.9 points, 6.6 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. Not bad for a 41-year-old.
And MSG will surely excite him to turn back the clock.
“He’s earned the right to play as long as he wants and he’s definitely doing it,” Brown said. “And he’s doing it at a high level.”
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