Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; General view of the center court logo in the first quarter between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Sep 28, 2026; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers LeBron James poses for a photo during media day.
When LeBron James takes the court for what will be his 24th and perhaps final season in the NBA, he’ll do so as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after signing with the team in free agency over the summer.
James joins fellow All-Stars Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and budding second-year player VJ Edgecombe to form perhaps the league’s most formidable starting lineup. But that almost wasn’t the case.
As it turns out, James initially had his mind focused on another location.
However, that location was not Cleveland, as Bill Simmons stated it was, or even other finalists like Miami, Golden State, or Minnesota.
LeBron James Planned On Signing For The New York Knicks
On Monday, during the 76ers’ annual preseason media day, James revealed that he had visions of playing for the New York Knicks before the team beat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals in June.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” said.. “One of the best places I’ve ever played.”
Ultimately, after the Knicks won it all, he had a change of heart.
“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,” he said, referring to the media. “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.”
Ultimately, James will look to win a championship in another basketball-crazed city facing a lengthy drought. The Sixers last won a championship in 1983 and last played in the NBA Finals in 2001.
If James is able to make good on that goal, Sixers fans likely won’t care all that much whether or not they were his first choice.