LeBron James Dreamt of Being Drafted By Knicks, Reveals Brian Windhorst

Before the end of the 2025-26 season, there were rumors that LeBron James was considering the New York Knicks as a potential destination among the other possibilities once he left the Los Angeles Lakers.

Even though the official decision to leave the purple and gold franchise came after the end of the season, many knew that he was going to take his talents to another team.

Knowing that his next move would be his last, the potential for an influx of revenue, along with the possibility of fighting for and winning a championship, is why the Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and other teams were thought to be recruiting him.

LeBron James could have helped the Big Apple-based team with a bargain-basement contract, similar to what he signed with the 76ers. The only problem was that by the time the season ended, they were already champions.

With that, the 41-year-old’s dream of signing with the Knicks went down the drain. Now, Brian Windhorst revealed on The Hoop Collective that James’ dream was not just something he thought of this season. Rather, he wished it could have happened 23 years ago.

There was this dream, and in fact, it was kind of LeBron’s dream too. Literally, the night before he agreed to his Nike contract, in his Nike contract he got a 20 or 30% bonus if he got drafted to the Knicks.

Brian Windhorst revealed

The ESPN analyst added that once it became apparent that the Knicks did not win the draft lottery, many, including LeBron James and his close associates, were disappointed. He wanted to cash in on that Nike bonus and play at Madison Square Garden.

LeBron James’ love for Madison Square Garden could see him watch Knicks’ ring night

Even though LeBron James’ dream of playing for the New York Knicks is well and truly over, his love for the franchise and its famed Madison Square Garden is still strong. In fact, he loves the city as well, as is evident from his decision to stay in New York and travel to 76ers practices and games via helicopter.

I wonder if LeBron would like to be out there just to feel the Garden. He’s praised the Garden 100 times, and if you give him 100 more times, he would praise it 100 more times. He truly loves the Garden. I wonder if part of him wants to just stand out there just as a fan of the game and as a fan of basketball.

Brian Windhorst said

The senior writer understands that the Philadelphia 76ers will not be present to watch the Knicks get their rings. After all, the latter swept them in the Eastern Conference semifinals before going on to win their first Larry O’Brien Trophy in 53 years.

However, Windhorst believes that LeBron James’ love for the Garden and his dedication to the game could see him sitting on the visitors’ bench. Even though the superstar might be obligated to avoid that, it is unlikely that anyone will ask him not to watch the Knicks get their rings.

LeBron James’ record at Madison Square Garden could give him and the 76ers the last laugh

It will be a basketball spectacle if LeBron James is seen taking in the Knicks receiving their rings and hoisting their championship banner. Most of his critics will say that he was sad looking at how things turned out, while his fans will likely say that he is motivating himself.

Apart from that scenario, what basketball fans should look at is the record LeBron James has set playing at Madison Square Garden. It so happens that he loves it so much that he always goes there with the intent of putting on a show.

One of his highest-scoring games, 52 points to be exact, in the year he won his first league MVP award, is still a memory many Knicks fans do not want to remember.

Going into opening night tomorrow, they also would not want to know that LeBron James holds a staggering 24-9 record and has averaged 28.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.9 rebounds.

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