Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James admitted that he would have signed with the New York Knicks in free agency had they failed in the NBA Finals in June. It was a bombshell revelation, especially since James and the Knicks have a fascinating history.

The four-time MVP has always enjoyed playing in New York. The Knicks tried to lure him in free agency in 2010, but they infamously botched their presentation, leading James to take his talents to the Miami Heat instead.

This year, the Knicks showed interest in the 42-year-old superstar again. James said he saw himself signing with New York, but he backed off, fearing the backlash if he joined a championship team.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith admitted that he would have done anything to entice the four-time champion to join the Knicks had they not won the title against the San Antonio Spurs.

“He would have been the clear, obvious missing link for the New York Knicks. If that required some begging on my part in order to do it, I would have done it! I would have begged LeBron James! Yes, I would. I got no shame. I'd be like, ‘What do you want me to say? You want me to call Bronny James a future Hall of Famer, I'll do it!'” said Smith on his podcast.

“That's the tip I would have been on to get LeBron James to come to New York. That's how desperate I would have been.”

…but thankfully, the NEW YORK KNICKS ARE CHAMPIONS! Join the caller conversations only my YouTube! https://t.co/qEoSz0n7Fs pic.twitter.com/Rv71dn4b1C

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 29, 2026

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Smith, however, clarified that he was thankful that the Knicks won the championship and ended their 53-year drought.

James chose the 76ers, signing a two-year deal worth $8 million.

With the 23-time All-Star at the tail end of his career, it appears seeing him suit up for the Knicks will remain a pipe dream for Smith.

Smith and James had a public spat last season, with the veteran forward even confronting the veteran commentator when the Knicks visited the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in March.