LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are set to visit Madison Square Garden for a matchup against the New York Knicks this Sunday.
Throughout his career, James has competed in 33 games at the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” holding a record of 24 wins and 9 losses. He averages 28.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game.
James has faced the Knicks only once in the playoffs—during the first round of the 2012 playoffs—where the Miami Heat triumphed 4-1. In that series, he averaged 27.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, scoring fewer than 20 points only once.
Over the years, James has delivered numerous memorable performances at Madison Square Garden. Here’s a look at some of his highlights.
2025: 33 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds, 54% shooting
Game result: 128-112, Lakers win
In 2025, James dazzled the Knicks’ fans with a spectacular 30-point triple-double. He became the first visiting player to achieve multiple 30-point triple-doubles at Madison Square Garden, playoffs included. This marked his 12th career game with 30 points as a visitor at MSG, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second on the all-time list.
That evening, the then-40-year-old executed several electrifying plays, including a thunderous two-handed dunk in the fourth quarter that left comedian Chris Rock in awe from the courtside.
While James’ performance stole the headlines, it was later overshadowed by the shocking news of Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers.
2023: 28 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 44% shooting
Game result: 129-123, Lakers win
even with being in Year 20, James never misses a chance to captivate the New York crowd.
This marked his first game at the Garden since January 2020, and it did not disappoint. James recorded his first triple-double of the season as the Lakers clinched a narrow victory in overtime.
The atmosphere was electric, with James on the cusp of breaking the all-time scoring record. Yet, after the game, he chose to highlight his all-around contributions.
“I just play the game the right way. I approach the game every night only trying to be a triple threat by scoring, rebounding, assisting, defending, and may the chips fall where they may,” he remarked.
2017: 23 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 50% shooting
Game result: 104-101, Cavs win
While these numbers might not reflect his best at the Garden, the on-court drama became the highlight. James had a notable confrontation with Enes Freedom in the first quarter.
After dunking, James blocked Frank Ntilikina’s inbound attempt, prompting Freedom to defend his teammate. The scuffle resulted in a double technical foul.
Freedom stated postgame: “I don’t care… what you call yourself. King, Queen, Princess, whatever you are. You know what, we’re going to fight and nobody out there [is] going to punk us.”
James led a comeback in the fourth quarter to secure the win and later responded on Instagram.
2010: 32 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 60.9% shooting
Game result: 113-91, Heat win
In his first appearance in New York as a member of the Heat, James produced a highly effective triple-double. even with the home crowd booing him for not joining the Knicks in the offseason, he excelled on the court.
His shooting percentage of 60.9% stands as his third-highest at Madison Square Garden (previously achieving 70% once and 70.6% twice).
2009: 52 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 51.5% shooting
Game result: 107-102, Cavaliers win
In what many consider his most iconic game at Madison Square Garden, James dazzled the crowd. He accounted for nearly half of the Cavaliers’ total points, scoring a season-high 52.
This came just two nights after Kobe Bryant set an MSG record with 61 points. James made history as one of only two players—Michael Jordan being the other—to score 50 or more points in a game at the current Madison Square Garden.
2008: 50 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 53% shooting
Game result: 119-105, Cleveland Cavaliers win
After scoring 45 points at home against the Knicks in November, James upped the ante by notching 50 points at the Garden in March.
He became the first player to achieve at least 50 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds in a game since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on January 19, 1975, according to the Associated Press. James exited to chants of “MVP!” and referred to the standing ovation as “a dream come true.”
ESPN Research contributed to this story.
