LeBron James
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LeBron James would reportedly be interested in joining the Knicks if he were to leave the Lakers this offseason
The New York Knicks have had an odd season, and that has continued since their return from the All-Star break. At their best, the Knicks appear capable of going on a deep playoff run, but at their worst, they are suffering big losses to other top contenders in the Eastern Conference, like the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers.
While New York is a bit of a mystery currently, what isn’t a mystery is that if this team fails to meet expectations in the playoffs, changes will be made. Perhaps the biggest change of the bunch could involve Los Angeles Lakers‘ forward LeBron James, who is reportedly interested in joining the Knicks if he ends up leaving L.A. this offseason.
LeBron James Open to Knicks Move
Even at the age of 41, James has remained one of the most productive players in the NBA this season (21.7 PPG, 7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 49.9 FG%). And yet, the results have not always gone the Lakers’ way, and it appears as if the trio of him, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves simply will not work out.
As a result, more and more rumors have emerged linking James to a move away from the Lakers this upcoming offseason. While retirement is always an option, considering James’ age, it doesn’t seem like he’s ready to call it a career just yet. With that in mind, if he moves on from Los Angeles, James would quickly become one of the most sought-after players in the league.
At this point, though, James is likely going to have a pretty big say in where he is playing basketball. With that in mind, the Knicks have emerged as a team that James would reportedly be open to playing for, which could loom large if New York’s current core fails to meet expectations once again this season.
“Other teams in similar situations that are thought to appeal to James are the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks,” Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report wrote. “The Cavaliers and Knicks are among the Eastern Conference contenders. The Golden State Warriors have struggled to stay healthy, but the Steph Curry/James combination would be something to see.”
Should the Knicks Make a Move for LeBron James?
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James runs down the court. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
James’ potential availability is one of the most confusing dilemmas teams like the Knicks may have to find an answer to in the near future. On one hand, James remains a top-tier player, but how much longer is he going to be in the league for? And even if he decides to play multiple more years, will he be able to continue playing at this sort of level?
Whichever team were to acquire James in this hypothetical scenario would have to be contending for a title, and that is a box that the Knicks can check off. Would the front office be willing to mortgage their future for one or two seasons of a title chase with James, though? That’s a question the team will need to figure out, but if they can go on a deep playoff run this year, that will likely make the front office’s decision on this topic much easier.