LeBron James surprised the NBA world when he agreed to a free agency deal with the Philadelphia 76ers over the summer.
The four-time NBA champion will be finishing his career in Philly, playing alongside Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and others. LeBron considered multiple teams in free agency, before settling on the 76ers.
LeBron spoke with the media in Philadelphia on Monday, ahead of the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. He admitted that he considered the 76ers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Cavaliers and Heat.
However, the future Hall of Famer admitted that he was actually considering a different team, before the playoffs ended.
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LeBron James told reporters in Philadelphia that he was actually envisioning finishing his career with the New York Knicks, playing at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.
However, the Knicks beating the Spurs in the NBA Finals nixed those plans. LeBron James didn’t want to join a team fresh off of a championship. He felt that the media would never let that down.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James told ESPN on Monday during the 76ers’ annual 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.”
LeBron couldn’t go through with signing with the Knicks
Many have speculated that LeBron would one day finish his career with the Knicks, potentially capping off an iconic career by leading New York to a championship, but Jalen Brunson beat him to it.
“Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down, at all,” James said. “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.”
LeBron added that he’ll be splitting his time between New York and Philadelphia while he plays for the 76ers.
