The average ticket price for the Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks matchup on February 1st sits at $1,138Jalen Brunson and LeBron James (Photo by Imagn Images)
Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers became the center of NBA headlines after pulling off one of the most shocking trades in recent memory. Just before the trade deadline, the Lakers made a blockbuster move by acquiring Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis.

The trade also set the stage for one of the most talked-about superstar duos in recent history, Luka teaming up with LeBron James. The duo kept Los Angeles in the spotlight throughout the remainder of the season. As they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, the buzz around this pairing has only continued to grow.

That excitement is already being reflected in ticket sales. According to TickPick, the most expensive game on the NBA calendar for this upcoming season is the showdown between the Lakers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 1st. The average ticket price for the matchup sits at $1,138.

Just like the Lakers, the Knicks commanded significant attention last season with a major roster shake-up of their own. Before the 2024–25 campaign began, New York added Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves. His acquisition formed a new trio alongside Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. It brought fresh excitement to Madison Square Garden.

Los Angeles Lakers Eye Fresh Start With LeBron-Luka Duo

LeBron James and Luka Doncic LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Photo by Imagn Images)

This upcoming season will be a landmark one for the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans will finally get their first full year of watching James and Doncic share the floor together. Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean expressed confidence about what’s ahead for the superstar pairing.

“This season, we’re poised and excited to have a training camp together. LeBron and Luka being able to spend more time together, we think, will be really positive for both of them and obviously our team,” St. Jean said.

The Lakers finished as the No. 3 seed in the West last season. Later, they again got eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. However, the upcoming season might be different for the superstar duo. Having an entire offseason and training camp to prepare together could be crucial in unlocking the best version of the Lakers’ new identity.