LeBron James seriously considered ending his career under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
James ultimately joined the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, but revealed that the New York Knicks were firmly in his plans before their championship run completely changed the situation.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said, according to ESPN. “One of the best places I’ve ever played.”
The idea of playing in New York had plenty of appeal to LeBron, particularly because of his admiration for Madison Square Garden.
“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,” James said.
New York ended a 53-year championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, and James believed joining the defending champions immediately afterward would have brought a level of criticism he wasn’t interested in dealing with.
“Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down, at all,” James 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.”
Instead, Philadelphia emerged from a group of five finalists that James said also included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The move sets up an immediate storyline between the Sixers and Knicks after New York swept Philadelphia in the second round of last season’s playoffs, winning the four games by an average margin of 22.3 points.
LeBron won’t have to wait long to return to the arena he once envisioned calling home either. Philadelphia is scheduled to visit Madison Square Garden on opening night on October 20 before returning on February 27.
And despite choosing Philadelphia over New York, James will still be spending plenty of time in both cities.
Asked where he planned to live during the season, James had a simple answer.
“Both,” James said. “Multiple residences.”
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