Did LeBron James Almost Join the Knicks Before 76ers Move? He Says...
LeBron James Reveals New Career Venture After Leaving LA Lakers in NBA Switch-Up
At one point, LeBron James wanted to shoot his shot with the New York Knicks.
Indeed, before the legendary athlete joined the Philadelphia 76ers following an eight-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers, he considered signing with this year’s NBA champs.
"I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," James told ESPN Sept. 28 during the 76ers' annual media day. "One of the best places I've ever played.”
He added, "I think it's the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player.”
But after the Knicks took home the 2026 NBA championship title against the San Antonio Spurs June 11, the 41-year-old had a change of heart, recalling, “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 referring to the media backlash he would have gotten if he’d joined the New York team after they’d won it all. "But much respect to the Knicks, obviously.”
“An unbelievable team, unbelievable players. Shout out Jalen Brunson,” he added. “I love that guy, he's unbelievable.”
And don’t for a second think that the four-time NBA champ is dwelling on what could have been. As he put it, “I'm happy where I'm at, and I'm looking forward to it.”
James—dad to kids Bronny, 21, Bryce, 19, and Zhuri, 11, with wife Savannah James—shocked fans this summer when he announced he’d be signing with the 76ers for the 2026-2027 season after nearly a decade with the Lakers.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team," he shared to X July 24, "and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
And while James is game to leave it all on the court with the Philadelphia team, he shared his career pivot came only after he considered walking away from the sport for good.
"I thought I was done when the season ended," he explained. "I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game.”
But after some self-reflection, he knew he wasn’t finished just yet.
“I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game,” he said. “I still truly love this game, and I have more to give."
Keep reading for more on James’ life on and off the court…
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
GOAT x2
Behind every great man is an even greater woman. Case in point? Savannah James proved she's always cheering on her high school sweetheart LeBron James during basketball games and beyond.
Harry How/Getty Images
Seeing Double
Bronny James Jr.—who joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, six years after his dad—proved he's LeBron's twin as the pair posed in their team uniform.
Savannah James/Instagram
The Sweetest Siblings
Bronny, Bryce James and Zhuri James share an adorable sibling moment while out shopping.
Savannah James/Instagram
Fun in the Sun
Zhuri and Savannah had a slam-dunk day out, which included her and LeBron's daughter blowing bubbles out of her vintage Ford Bronco.
LeBron James/Instagram
Deck the Halls
The LeBron family knows how to bring the Christmas spirit with their matching red pajama sets.
Savannah James/Instagram
Twinning
Savannah and Zhuri are always down to do a viral TikTok dance. So it's no surprise when they brought the rhythm while moving to H3aband's "BOO."
Savannah James/Instagram
Daddy's Day Out
LeBron took the kids out for a solo outing, which included a cute selfie with the roof down in his convertible.
Savannah James/Instagram
A Presidential Visit
Savannah and Zhuri were all smiles as they posed alongside former U.S. President Barack Obama.
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