When asked if he ever thought of signing with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was candid, saying that he’s “had that thought in [his] career” ahead of a Saturday night dance-off between two of the most popular teams in the NBA.
LeBron James: King of New York
Fans that were around during his first ever foray into free agency in 2010 remember the fanfare surrounding LeBron James. Not only the fanfare surrounding him as a player but the idea that he would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for a glamorous franchise such as the New York Knicks. In fact, it was such a major event that then New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg tried to help recruit him to the Knicks.
14 years later, LeBron is no longer the spry 25-year-old entering the prime of his career. He’s a decorated NBA legend with a trophy case that would most players to shame. As the GOAT debate rages on, he has a legacy that’s on par with hoops icon Michael Jordan.
Nonetheless, James will potentially reach free agency this offseason with a $51.4 million player option on his contract for the 2024-25 season. To that point, his noncommittal attitude towards re-signing with the constantly underwhelming Lakers has left open the possibility he’s seriously considering leaving L.A. this summer.
All 30 teams would likely have interest in LeBron. However, the Knicks appear to be a legitimate landing spot due to their status as playoff contenders. Furthermore, personnel such as All-Star selections Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle— along with defensive stalwart OG Anunoby— is sure to entice James as well.
So, hearing he and Brunson praising each other prior to their Saturday night matchup, it’s not difficult to imagine a scenario in which LeBron tries to create a superteam in the Big Apple. One comprised of he, Brunson, Randle, and Anunoby.
A natural fit?
If the New York Knicks were to complete a sign-and-trade to acquire LeBron James, it’s a scenario that would potentially allow them to keep not only Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby. However, high-end role players in Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Josh Hart may manage to be left off the table as well.
With that blend of active defenders and volume scorers, LeBron could ride off into the sunset on a squad that complements him a bit better than the Lakers currently do.
Lakers star big man Anthony Davis has been dominant for much of his time in Los Angeles. Furthermore, players such as Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell have had sensational stretches during L.A.’s LeBron era. Yet, their vulnerability on the defensive end undermines their overall talent level. So too does their streakiness on offense.
Consider first that Brunson is a more dynamic and efficient scorer than Reaves or Russell. In fact, he’s nearly as productive than Reaves and Russell combined. A 3-level scorer with impressive footwork, Brunson averages 27.3 points per game while Reaves and Russell average a combined 32.6 points per game. Furthermore, compared to Reaves, Anunoby is the superior off-ball threat and perimeter defender. It’s clear that the Knicks have the superior backcourt.
The Lakers have talented offensive players such as Christian Wood and Rui Hachimura. However, they seem destined to be underutilized because the Lakers’ best starters play the same position. As a result, the Knicks’ roster configuration may still appear more appealing. Even when factoring in the advantage that Davis has over Randle, defensively.
Mr. Unpredictable
It’s never easy to pin down LeBron James’s future plans unless they’re relayed explicitly. Nonetheless, with the Los Angeles Lakers failing to live up to expectations, the writing may be on the wall. At 39 years old, James is fully in the prime of his career. Cryptic hourglass tweets aside, time is of the essence.
Ultimately, L.A. should anticipate contending for LeBron’s services if they want to keep him this offseason. If they aren’t in championship contention, there’s no reason for LeBron to remain committed to the Lakers.
