Why didn’t the Knicks sign LeBron?
After weeks of waiting, we finally know where LeBron James will be playing basketball next season. LeBron put the basketball world on notice this past week when he announced he would be taking his talents to Philadelphia, to try and win another championship alongside Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. Before LeBron made this decision, he weighed plenty of possibilities, including his favorite place to play Madison Square Garden. Although, at least from the Knicks' perspective, LeBron playing in the mecca was not a possibility.
According to Sam Amico from Hoops Wire, LeBron's camp had actually reached out to the Knicks organization at one point during his free agency, and the Knicks weren't even interested in pursuing him. When asked why, the answer was pretty clear, New York likes what it already has.
The Knicks are coming off their first NBA championship in 53 years, with a starting 5 already built to succeed. Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart already have proven they have the skillset and chemistry together to win a championship. So naturally there is not much pressure on the Knicks to change course for any reason. In fact, sources also said the Knicks believe they remain better than the 76ers, even after the off-season acquisitions.
On paper the 76ers seem as loaded as can be. But again, New York just won a championship, they have seen their group battle adversity, and come out the other end on top. It honestly makes sense for the Knicks to not blow up their system for a player who turns 42 in December.
