Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on Feb 1, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has frequently expressed his love for Madison Square Garden throughout his 23-season NBA career. He has even called it “the Mecca of basketball”.
James played in the arena for potentially last time on Sunday when the Lakers lost by a score of 100-112 to the New York Knicks.
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James is currently playing on a $52.6 million player option he exercised with the Lakers over the summer. He will be a free agent at the end of this season and could choose to retire, re-sign with the Lakers or sign with another NBA team.
Multiple teams have been named possible landing spots for James next season, as there seems to be dwindling mutual interest between James sticking with the Lakers. His former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, are a big name in the mix. And now, the Knicks have emerged as a potential landing spot for James.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on Feb 1, 2026.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on Jan 26, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on Feb 1, 2026.
The Knicks Would Give James A Strong Chance of Winning A Fifth NBA Championship
When James exercised his player option in June, his agent Rich Paul explained that James wants a chance to win another NBA championship before retiring. Even if the Lakers were open to re-signing James, his best shot at winning another title in the near future is most likely with another franchise.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.
The Knicks have performed well in the playoffs and won at least one playoff series in each of the last three seasons. New York has not won a championship since 1973, and James could help finally lead the Knicks all the way to a championship next season.
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James has expressed wanting to be the best player in NBA history, which is a title many believe belongs to six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan.
Former Madison Square Garden and Knicks president Dave Checketts said winning a fifth championship with New York would help James complete one of the best careers the NBA has ever seen.
“Everything that you do in New York gets magnified beyond all belief. Like with Michael back then, I think it’s a place that can fully complete LeBron’s career now, especially if he can put this Knicks group over the top. That would be the pinnacle for him. I don’t know if winning his fifth title with the Knicks makes LeBron better than Michael, but it becomes a really close call,” Checketts said, per The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor.
James still has a few more months before he has to make a decision on the future of his career. But if winning a fifth championship is still on James’ radar, joining the Knicks could be the route that takes him there.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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