LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost on Sunday night in Madison Square Garden to the New York Knicks.
Speaking after the game, James, with uncertainty about his future both with the Lakers and in the NBA as a whole, gave a telling response to reporters about what could have been his last game in the world’s most famous arena.
“At the end of the day, everything has to come to an end at some point. So, no matter what it is, it’s going to be like, ‘(Expletive) I’ll never play again in Madison Square Garden. I’ll never play again in certain arenas. I’ll never play again, period,‘“ he said, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Amid his previous return to Cleveland, and what many have deemed his last game in New York, retirement rumors surrounding the league’s all-time leading scorer have heated up recently. While Shams Charania reported that a breakup between James and the Lakers could come after this season, it is still uncertain what he will do as a free agent this summer.
Along with his comments about Madison Square Garden, James was recently urged to make a bold career move, one that could land him that elusive fifth title, in what would be a shocking way to end his NBA journey.
LeBron James Urged To Join Knicks Amid Retirement Rumors
Writing for The Athletic, Ian O’Connor urged James to join the Knicks as a free agent this summer and end his career in New York City.
O’Connor cited a famous comment from James a decade ago as a key reason why going to the Knicks could give him his best shot at glory, and ending his career in the same way it did for Michael Jordan, the name synonymous with James as it relates to the NBA’s greatest of all-time debate.
“‘My motivation is this ghost I’m chasing. The ghost played in Chicago.’ That ghost was 6-0 in the NBA Finals and 6-0 in his quest to win the Finals MVP award. That’s why Michael Jordan is still the last man standing between James and the one thing he wants more than anything else,” O’Connor wrote. “The one thing the New York Knicks, of all teams, are best equipped to give him.”
The writer added that the Knicks were a team linked to James in his famous 2010 ‘The Decision‘ move to the Miami Heat, and while they weren’t title contenders back then, they are now. The Mecca of Basketball is an intriguing place for any NBA player, and while James has consistently discussed his love for the city, arena, and fans, O’Connor believes that, in the twilight of his career, it is the best time for James to move to The Big Apple and help bring championship glory to the Knicks.
“They need simply to be taught how to get from the conference finals to the Finals, and then from the Finals to the trophy presentation,” he wrote. “LeBron James, a 10-time conference champ, can do that in his sleep in the East, which is a virtual walk in Central Park when compared to the loaded West.”
With the potential of Giannis Antetokounmpo out West next season, the Knicks would be battling with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. James would have to arrive on a smaller deal, but as a free agent, his arrival wouldn’t guarantee they’d have to move one of their high-paid starters to add him.
“Remember, his agent Rich Paul released that summer statement saying his client wants to evaluate what’s best for him at this stage of his career and ‘wants to make every season he has left count,‘“ O’Connor added. “James should really start thinking about New York as the best way to do that.”
LeBron James 22nd Straight All-Star Vote
The question of what James do next likely sits behind the question of where Antetokounmpo play next, but it has been one of the biggest storylines in the league this season, and will continue that way until he either announces retirement, or a new deal with another team.
However, in the midst of all the rumors, James continues to play at a strong level for the Lakers, despite being the oldest player in the league. While he wasn’t named an All-Star starter for the first time in more than two decades, on Sunday, James was named an All-Star reserve, his 22nd straight honor, continuing his streak for the most and longest consecutive streak of all-time.
While James did miss the first month of the season with sciatica, his averages of 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists on 50.5% shooting were enough to get him on the All-Star roster.
There have been initial questions about whether players like Kawhi Leonard, Alperen Sengun, and others were more deserving of the nod, but considering James‘ massive impact and influence on the league, him getting the edge isn’t super surprising.
But for now, James remains with the Lakers. Signs point to this being his last season in Los Angeles, and while the Knicks and Cavaliers are the latest teams linked to the superstar, his next move is still very uncertain.
LeBron James Urged To Join Knicks Amid Growing Retirement Hints