LeBron James reveals the team that wanted to sign him before the Sixers: "I had the vision of ending my career there"

LeBron James was close to making a very different decision during his last free agency. The new player for the Philadelphia 76ers acknowledged that he seriously considered ending his career with the New York Knicks, although the title won by the New York franchise in June changed everything.

James explained to ESPN during the Sixers' Media Day that his final decision was between five teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. However, there was a sixth option that was also on the table: the Knicks.

“I had the vision of playing in the Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” explained LeBron, referring to Madison Square Garden. “It’s one of the best places I’ve played.”

For James, Madison Square Garden holds a special place in the NBA. The player went so far as to describe it as “the number one” among venues in the world for a basketball player.

However, the situation changed after the Knicks won the championship and ended a 53-year drought without winning the title. The possibility of LeBron joining the championship team ultimately made him discard that option.

“After they beat San Antonio, I thought: ‘I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it,” he admitted.

LeBron knew the reaction would have been huge

The four-time NBA champion considered that signing with the Knicks immediately after they won the championship would have provoked too big of a reaction from the media and the league's environment.

“Y'all wouldn't have let me lay that down, at all,” James explained, referring to the media.

LeBron also wanted to make clear his respect for the Knicks and the team that the franchise has built, particularly highlighting Jalen Brunson.

“Much respect for the Knicks, obviously. An amazing team, amazing players. Shout out to Jalen Brunson. I love that guy, he’s incredible,” he noted.

Ultimately, James chose Philadelphia and stated that he is happy with his decision. “I’m happy where I am and I’m looking forward to it,” he affirmed.

The decision will also have a special component during the season. LeBron will have at least two opportunities to face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden during the regular season: on October 20, in the opening game, and on February 27. If both teams meet again in the playoffs, those matchups could increase.

LeBron will still be living in New York

Although he ultimately will not play for the Knicks, James does not plan to distance himself from New York. The player confirmed that he will split his residence between the Big Apple and Philadelphia during the season.

“Both. Multiple residences,” LeBron responded when ESPN asked if he would continue living in New York besides Philadelphia.

Thus, Madison Square Garden will continue to be part of the final years of LeBron James's career, although in a different way than the player initially envisioned. His plan to finish his career dressed as a Knick vanished after New York's championship, and now he will face this new stage as a player for the Sixers.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, LeBron James desvela el equipo que quiso ficharle antes de los Sixers: “Tenía la visión de acabar mi carrera allí”