LeBron James might’ve played his final game inside the World’s Most Favorite Arena.
And if this is it, he’s had enough legendary performances in that building to overshadow Sunday’s defeat.
James, in his 21st NBA season, is certainly near the end of his decorated basketball career. With his current Lakers contract set to expire this summer — and no certainty that he’ll be back for a 22nd season — Sunday’s 112-100 loss could be the final time he graced the arena he called his favorite playground.
In the loss, James recorded 22 points, six assists, five rebounds and a steal.
Much of the spotlight went to star teammate Luka Dončić, who finished with 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.
The evening lacked a signature, highlight reel performance for four quarters that MSG fans got accustomed to whenever the 22-time All-Star stepped onto The Garden hardwood.
Shockingly, he misfired on four of six total free throws in a close game that was within reach minutes into the fourth quarter.
There was no 30-point triple-double outing like in last year’s win at The Garden. Nor was there a 50-point Manhattan takeover on 53% shooting to go along with 10 blocks similar to his performance as a Cleveland Cavalier back in 2008.
Jake LaRavia blocks Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic passes to Marcus Smart who lobs it up to Lebron James who ferociously throws it down (with replays)! pic.twitter.com/qPdho2QW3K
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 2, 2026
But, he did garner the loudest ovation of the night after slamming in an alley-oop from Marcus Smart a few minutes into the third quarter.
The theatrics — that so many NBA superstars relish when visiting the Knicks’ home floor — might’ve been on his mind early on as he pulled up for a near midcourt buzzer-beating jumper as time expired in the first quarter.
The heave, however, never came close as the airball coincided with zeros on the clock.
The future Hall of Famer went on to shoot 9-of-15 from the field in 35 minutes of action.
Fans always fill Madison Square Garden when James — and other superstars — make their visits. For stars on West Coast teams, it’s their one chance a year to wow fans at the arena.
On Sunday, James’ lone visit to MSG — plus the uncertainty of a potential retirement this summer — caused ticket prices to skyrocket.
An hour before tip-off between the two teams, the cheapest get-in price for the matchup hovered above $400 each on Ticketmaster.
Available courtside tickets on the site would cost fans nearly $4,000 each.
The usual celebrities sat courtside for LeBron’s potential final home game: rapper Fat Joe, Steve Schirripa from ‘The Sopranos’ and actor Tracy Morgan.
Spike Lee, of course, was seated in his usual sideline seat while exchanging words with Dončić after a patented fadeaway jumper.
With fans still seated as the Knicks led by 10 with about four minutes remaining, James checked back in for a final push to shortened the deficit.
Just maybe, the superstar could make magic just one more time before potentially walking off The Garden hardwood for good.
There was no such comeback. No signature breakaway tomahawk dunk. No chase down block that he made famous.
Just thoughts and questions whether he’ll ever play inside Madison Square Garden again.
