LeBron James has always had an interest in playing in New York City for the New York Knicks, and the dream of him finishing his career in Madison Square Garden almost came true in NBA free agency this offseason.
Although James was only considering the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Knicks were the team that the league's all-time leading scorer confirmed that he would've joined if it weren't for one thing.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin on Monday at the 76ers' Media Day. “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 Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can't.' I couldn't do it.”
This isn't the first time that the Knicks popped up as a desired landing spot for James. Not only has LeBron talked about how much he loves playing in MSG, but even Rich Paul fueled the New York fire this offseason when he was rattling off teams that piqued James' interest.
As for his intentions to join the Knicks, LeBron felt like it wouldn't be right for him to join them after they just won the 2026 NBA Finals.
Article Continues Below“Y'all wouldn't have let me lay that down, at all,” James continued while speaking with ESPN. “But much respect to the Knicks, obviously. An unbelievable team, unbelievable players. Shout out Jalen Brunson. I love that guy, he's unbelievable. But, yeah, I'm happy where I'm at, and I'm looking forward to it.”
It has been widely reported that James will spend time living in both New York and Philadelphia while he is a member of the 76ers. James confirmed this while speaking with McMenamin, saying he will split time between the “multiple residences.”
While many would've loved to see LeBron play for the Knicks, and even though James himself has made it clear he had New York at the top of his list, he enters Year 24 in the NBA with the 76ers ready to dethrone the defending champs.
Even at 41 years old, James is still one of the best players in the league and embarks on a new journey next to Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.