The Demons are coming off a disappointing loss to Fremantle ahead of Gawn and defensive stalwart Tom McDonald's shared milestone match at the MCG on Sunday.
"I don't think I need to get up and say 'let's win for Max'. I'd like to see a response regardless ... and Max will lead the way with how he goes about it, and the rest of his teammates will follow," King said.
Carlton counterpart Michael Voss conceded the Blues would have to give Gawn's milestone some "attention" given his importance to the Demons.
King paid tribute to the superstar ruckman and captain, whose milestone is even more impressive given knee injuries ruined the start of his career.
"The way Max has performed for such a long period of time, even just his performances this year have been inspirational," King said.
"What makes him remarkable is the adversity he had early in his career, it took a while for him to get going ... but for him to be as influential as he has been as a ruck, he's just found a way."
The eight-time All-Australian has no plans of slowing down.
"Longevity is something we aspire to do. We love being able to perform at an old age," Gawn said on Thursday at the MCG.
"But as soon as I feel like I'm not performing … I don't have any want to be out here and struggling around the 'G and limping around the ground."
King stressed Melbourne couldn't give the Blues a similar headstart to what they handed Fremantle and indicated around stoppages, where Gawn will take on Marc Pittonet, would be crucial.
"I don't think it matters whether you're favourites or underdogs, we just need to improve again, and show the lessons we've learned from last week," King said.
Melbourne surprisingly dropped Trent Rivers, calling up pre-season recruit Paddy Cross, while McDonald replaces Daniel Turner (hand).
The Blues regain Frank Evans from injury while small forward Talor Byrne will debut.
