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How LeBron Almost Ended Up Joining The Knicks, Not The 76ers

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May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

LeBron James came surprisingly close to finishing his NBA career in New York. During his first media appearance as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, James revealed that he had envisioned joining the Knicks in free agency and playing his final seasons at Madison Square Garden — but New York’s championship changed everything.

The Knicks won their first NBA championship since 1973 by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games, and that apparently caused James to completely reconsider the possibility of joining the team.

Knicks championship changed LeBron’s plans

Basketball – NBA – New York Knicks Parade – New York City, New York, U.S. – June 18, 2026 New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy during the parade REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he had “visions” of playing at Madison Square Garden and finishing his career there.

“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 a basketball player.”

But after watching the Knicks defeat the Spurs to end their 53-year championship drought, James decided he could not join the defending champions.

“But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it,” James said.

James explained that he believed the media and fans would have viewed the move differently if he had joined New York immediately after the franchise won the championship.

“Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down at all,” James said.

LeBron ultimately chose Philadelphia

Dec 28, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James looks on from the bench in street clothes during the first quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

With the Knicks no longer an option, James’ free-agent decision ultimately came down to the 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, according to his comments reported by ESPN.

Philadelphia ultimately became his destination, with James signing a two-year deal and joining a roster featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. James has made it clear that winning another championship is the priority as he enters what could be the final stage of his career.

The irony is that the Knicks’ championship may have directly influenced where James ended up. Had New York fallen short against San Antonio, LeBron’s final NBA chapter could have looked completely different — with Madison Square Garden potentially becoming his home instead of Philadelphia.

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