LeBron James once considered playing for the New York Knicks after he became a free agent. The NBA All-Star knew that fans and critics alike would not let him “lay down, at all.” James was referring to the media at large. “But much respect to the Knicks, obviously.”
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James told ESPN. “I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it.”
James said that the potential backlash from joining the Knicks after they had won the title rendered the idea a non-starter. The Knicks recently ended a 53-year championship drought.
Lebron on almost signing with the Knicks:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 28, 2026
"I had visions of definitely playing in the Garden, finishing my career in the Garden. One of the best places I've ever played. I think it's the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San… pic.twitter.com/vWcx9WTYTm
After considering five different NBA teams to finish off his legendary career, James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Chosen One
James is beginning a new chapter of his legendary NBA career in Philadelphia, officially signing with the 76ers this summer on a two-year, $8 million contract, a significant pay cut from the nearly $53 million he earned during the 2025-26 season. James said his decision was driven primarily by his desire to compete for another championship rather than financial considerations.
James joins a Philadelphia roster featuring All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, along with Jaylen Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP. The combination gives the 76ers one of the league’s most experienced and star-studded lineups heading into the 2026-27 season.
Philadelphia has not won an NBA championship since 1983, and a title there would make James the first player to win NBA championships with four different franchises, having already won with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Lakers.
James is scheduled to make his regular-season debut with the 76ers against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20th.
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