LeBron James Says He Considered Signing With Knicks Before Choosing 76ers

LeBron James told reporters at 76ers Media Day that he seriously considered signing with the New York Knicks before ultimately joining Philadelphia, saying he backed away from the idea after New York won a championship without him.

“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said. “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. Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down, at all.”

James said he did not want to be seen following the same path as Kevin Durant, who joined a title-winning team rather than trying to win one himself.

“But much respect to the Knicks, obviously,” James added. “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.”

James opted out of his previous contract this offseason and left his family on the West Coast to sign with Philadelphia, where he will play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He set clear expectations for the season ahead.

“If we can do that, then we can be a great team,” James said. “If we don’t do that, then we’ll be like, ‘Oh man, it was a great team on paper. We had a lot of great talent, and we lost in the second round.’ I don’t wanna do that. I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round, I know that for sure. So the work needs to be done, and I’m ready to put the work in.”

James also praised the city’s fan base. “They know ball,” he said. “And if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to do, they’re going to let you hear it, and I’m excited about that.”

Asked Monday who the “alpha” of the 76ers locker room is, teammate Jaylen Brown declined to answer, telling reporters, “Next question.”

James expressed confidence in his ability to contribute at this stage of his career. “The luxury of my game is that I can do everything,” he said. “Literally, I can do everything.”

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey,” James added.