LeBron James is entering his historic 24th NBA season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. However, The King weighed several other options before ultimately signing his two-year, veteran-minimum contract in Philadelphia. During a recent interview, James told ESPN that he originally planned to sign with the New York Knicks before they ended the franchise's 53-year championship drought this past season.
"I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," James said at the 76ers' annual media day on Monday. "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.
But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, 'Hey, I can't.' I couldn't do it." James recognizes that he would have faced heavy backlash if he signed with the reigning NBA champions. "Y'all wouldn't have let me lay that down, at all," James added. "But much respect to the Knicks, obviously.
An unbelievable team, unbelievable players. I love that guy, he's unbelievable. But, yeah, I'm happy where I'm at, and I'm looking forward to it." James will begin his 76ers career with a season-opening matchup against the Knicks on Oct. 20.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
