LeBron James: “I had visions of playing for the Knicks, but after the title, I couldn’t do it”

LeBron envisioned finishing his career at Madison Square Garden

Speaking for the first time in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform at Monday’s Media Day, LeBron James revealed that he had initially pictured himself ending his career with the New York Knicks.

James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he had “visions” of playing at Madison Square Garden, one of his favorite arenas.

“I had visions of playing in Madison Square Garden and finishing my career in the Garden. 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.”

The Knicks’ championship changed his mind

That possibility disappeared after the Knicks won the NBA championship last season.

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

James explained that the expected media and public reaction to joining a team that had just won the NBA title ultimately ruled out New York.

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

James chose Philadelphia

James instead opted to join the 76ers in pursuit of his fifth NBA championship, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons with the franchise, including the 2020 title-winning campaign.

Philadelphia now features a revamped core around James, with five-time All-Star and former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, acquired from the Boston Celtics, alongside All-NBA guard Tyrese Maxey, former MVP Joel Embiid and rising guard VJ Edgecombe.