Lakers ticket prices skyrocket as LeBron James nears record

Do you want to be part of NBA history this week? It will cost you something.

LeBron James, who becomes the NBA’s all-time top scorer, won’t match the stubbornness of a concert tour like Taylor Swift, but it’s evident the courtside glitterati aren’t the only ones willing to pay big to get it to see the Lakers star hit his 38,388. Career scores point.

James is poised to smash Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record this week after he scored 27 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. James is 36 points off the record and that has caused some significant ripples in the NBA ticket market.

When will LeBron James become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer?

A look at LeBron James’ pursuit of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time record.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar Score: 38,387

LeBron James Points: 38,352

Points from record: 36 points

Expected games to record: 2

Planned deadline: February 9 against Bucks

The average ticket price for Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder is 50% higher than the season average and tickets for Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks are 70% higher, according to ticket marketplace StubHub.

Those steep climbs have made the Lakers the hottest ticket in the NBA. According to StubHub, the Lakers sold more tickets last week than the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics combined. Not bad for a team in 13th place.

“The anticipation of a sports icon hitting a historic milestone often boosts ticket sales dramatically, allowing true fans to say, ‘I was there when,'” said Adam Budelli, spokesperson for StubHub.

James’ historic moment will add a silver lining to a season that has been bleak for Lakers fans. But seeing the silver up close won’t come cheap.

According to StubHub, more than 4,000 tickets are still available for the Oklahoma City game, starting at $284. Around 3,000 tickets are available for Thursday’s game against Milwaukee, starting at $495.

At those prices, maybe the Lakers could have made Kyrie Irving a new contract. The Nets instead traded the All-Star point guard to Dallas on Sunday.

James is on course to break Thursday’s record, but he has scored 36 points or more in nine games this season, leaving the record very strong in play Tuesday night.