The LeBron James sweepstakes are often fueled by a desire to virtually guarantee an NBA Finals trip and perhaps even a title. After all, the multiple-time Most Valuable Player has monopolized the Eastern Conference since originally bolting for South Beach in 2010 and back home again, earning three championship rings during that run.

But let's not forget the branding too and the gate receipts his celebrity status is bound to generate – to some (let's just be honest and say the owners and board members), that is arguably more important than the championship.

Which is why it comes as no surprise that after the best player in the world agreed to terms with the Lakers to take his talents to Venice Beach, social media was not only abuzz but the price of tickets as well.

In fact, ESPN's Sports Business Reporter, Darren Rovell, reveals that the price tag on the lowest Lakers season ticket has ballooned to $5,800 – up by at least $2,000 just shortly after LeBron made the announcement.

But that's only the tip of the iceberg – a cursory glance at Stubhub shows that the cheapest home opener ticket is now $550. Of course, that is bound to go up once the schedule is finalized and it's not out of the ordinary to expect that there's a theme on which team they're bound to square off on opening day.

Could it be LeBron's nemesis the Golden State Warriors? Maybe a sacrificial lamb of a team just to get the Bron era started on the right foot? Either way, expect prices to trend up and scalpers to be on every notable ticket like white on rice.