Marc Berman reminds us that today is the RSVP date for those invited to Patrick Ewing's retirement ceremony - to be held in nine days when the Knicks host Orlando.

Most of the Big Fella's prominent ex-teammates have been invited, but evidently Larry Johnson won't be rushing to the Garden. The Knicks said they haven't heard from LJ, but according to his agent, George Bass, Johnson instead will be visiting Charlotte.

LJ's absence should not be taken as an insult to Ewing. LJ has repeatedly blown off the Knicks since his career ended abruptly in a contract buyout before last season - and brass is mystified, even a little crushed.

Johnson has no ill will toward the team for which he served as emotional leader from 1996 to 2001, the organization contends. In fact, The Post has learned that when Knicks brass offered to plan an elaborate "LJ Farewell Night" last season, the former co-captain (with Ewing) declined the offer.

"He didn't want the attention," Bass said. "It was nothing against the Knicks. He's a real quiet person. He doesn't like a lot of attention brought to him."

Johnson, whose career was cut short by chronic back and knee soreness, lives in Dallas, but didn't attend either game when the Knicks came to town during the past two seasons. Not one of his former teammates has spoken with Johnson since the buyout, and Johnson has yet to speak publicly about his retirement.