LeBron James was headed to New York — until the Knicks went and won it all.
That’s the word from Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who also serves as James’ agent. Speaking on his podcast “Game Over,” Paul revealed that his client had been eyeing the Knicks as his next destination. But New York’s NBA championship — ending a 53-year title drought — complicated that plan significantly.
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board,” Paul said during the podcast episode, where he used a whiteboard to map out James’ possible landing spots. “He’d be going to the Knicks.”
Still, Paul made clear that New York hasn’t been completely ruled out. James officially notified the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday that he will not be returning, becoming a free agent at 6 p.m. ET that same day. He had spent the last eight seasons with the franchise, most notably helping the team capture the 2020 NBA title.
Paul acknowledged the awkward dynamic that would come with James joining a team that just won a championship, noting that star guard Jalen Brunson’s comfort level would matter.
“When LeBron comes onto your team, I don’t care if you just won a championship, I don’t care if you’ve been the best player — it’s different, man,” Paul said. “Jalen Brunson would have to literally pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey man, it’s no issue with me. It’s no issue with me.’ I’m not saying that would make his decision, but you’ve gotta respect that.”
Among the teams that caught Paul’s eye on the whiteboard, the Philadelphia 76ers stood out. The team recently made a blockbuster move, acquiring star guard Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for 36-year-old Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks.
“How could you not have the attention when you have (Tyrese) Maxey, (V.J.) Edgecombe, Brown and (Joel) Embiid?” Paul said, also pointing out that James previously worked with new 76ers president Mike Gansey during his time in Cleveland.
Other teams listed as serious contenders include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. The Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks were also mentioned as possibilities.
James, 41, just wrapped up his record-breaking 23rd NBA season. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds with the Lakers this past year. A four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and 22-time All-Star, James holds the all-time records for both games played (1,622) and total points scored (43,440).
