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Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

LeBron James Shows Rare Appreciation for Knicks Fans

Originally posted on New York Knicks on SI
By Jayesh Pagar | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 11:00 AM ET

Madison‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Square Garden once again gave us a night to remember, a perfect mixture of history, intensity and a statement victory for the New York Knicks.

In a building known for its unforgiving energy, the Knicks not only defended home court but also drew rare praise from one of basketball’s greatest figures.

Following‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ New York Knick's 112-100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James took a moment to recognize the Knicks fanbase and his words were very meaningful in a city where respect is hardly ever given for ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌free.

LeBron Praises Knicks Fans and MSG Atmosphere

James didn’t hide his admiration for the Garden crowd, tapping the basketball intelligence that separates New York from the rest of the league.

“I've always loved these fans here, love New York. Always respect, they got a great knowledge of the game of basketball and sports in general. They know what sports is all about. They know when they see something pretty cool. I was giving my respect back,” he said (via SNY Knicks).

LeBron James shows his appreciation for Knicks fans:

"I've always loved these fans here, love New York. Always respect, they got a great knowledge of the game of basketball and sports in general. They know what sports is all about. They know when they see something pretty cool.… pic.twitter.com/RLe2KxzQqO
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 2, 2026

That‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ acknowledgment surely means a lot to Knicks fans, who know that Madison Square Garden has been the home of legends throughout history. A visitor superstar recognizing the arena in such a way can be incredibly impactful to fan environments.

Speculation Grows Around LeBron’s Final MSG Appearance

As‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ James enters his 23rd NBA season and his career could be coming to an end, there was a lot of talk that this might be his last game at Madison Square Garden.

The environment was indicative of this, as the fans were fully aware that they could be witnessing a final scene in a historic rivalry.

While LeBron avoided calling it a farewell, the tone of his comments suggested awareness of MSG’s significance. For the Knicks, the moment added extra meaning to protecting their home floor against a generational icon.

LeBron Delivers, But Knicks Control the Night

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James Brad Penner-Imagn Images

James‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ still demonstrated on the court why he is one of the most respected players. He secured 22 points with his efficient shooting and also grabbed five rebounds and dished out six assists.

By maintaining a calm and consistent game, James was able to keep the Lakers in the running during the first half, however, the Knicks were determined to stop him at the crucial moments.

The Knicks’ rugged defense and smart adjustments at the right time prevented LeBron's performance from tipping the game in Los Angeles' favor.

Last night meant more than just basketball for Knicks fans; it was about asserting home-court dominance over one of the league's brightest stars.

This article first appeared on New York Knicks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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