LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball defended by Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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In July of 2010 the sports world waited for a decision. When that decision was made the vast majority of people were enraged while only a few walked away from the television smiling. That decision made by LeBron James during his first round of free agency has reigned on as a monumental moment in the sports world.
It doesn’t carry the same amount of gravitas this time around, but it is still a consequential decision that could change the trajectory of a lucky franchise. Those franchises were listed on a whiteboard during the “Game Over” podcast with Rich Paul. On the show, Max Kellerman and Paul went over the different options that were available to James. Eventually, Kellerman pointed over to the “NYK” acronym that was written on the end of the board and broached the topic of James coming to the Knicks. Here was Paul’s initial response:
“It’s difficult, right? The last thing you want to do is mess up something like that. The Knicks have a good thing going…If the Knicks hadn’t had won there would be no board. He would be going to the Knicks.”
But the Knicks did, in fact, win an NBA championship and are now figuring out how they can repeat as champions. Paul went on to say that there were several considerations that would have to be taken into account off the court, but one would have to be made by the captain himself.
“Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey man, there is no issue with me.’…And I’m not saying that would make his decision…but you want to respect what those guys have built and also, it’s Jalen Brunson’s show.”
So let’s say Brunson made the call and James had mutual interest in coming to New York. Should the Knicks want him?
Why They Should
I mean, it’s LeBron James. There’s merit to the simplicity of wanting to add a great to your lineup. James would fit seamlessly into a team that just won the championship. He would have the ability to guard the lesser option on defense with both Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby slotted to start next to him. Offensively, the Knicks occasionally could use an additional scorer that is able to consistently attack the basket and score at the rim. James has traditionally been an elite wing at finishing at the rim and his ability to put pressure on the interior of the defense would help free up some space on the perimeter.
James would also get the added benefit of not being so heavily relied upon. In Los Angeles, there were moments in which the offensive burden fell too heavily on his shoulders, especially when Anthony Davis was on the team. A usage rate that dips below 25 percent could be a benefit to him and the team— the depth the Knicks offer will allow him to be his best self in the postseason.
That production in the playoffs is where James will make his hay. At this point, legacy has to be a part of the story for James and walking into New York helps cement that for himself. The organization gets a bonafide star that can help provide different stylistic looks. The postseason was a perfect example of how different styles are needed in order to beat different matchups. James is playoff tested and can provide an additional weapon to the Knicks.
Mike Brown has worked with James before and has a good working relationship with him. The hierarchy and pecking order on the team matters when James enters the picture. But Rich Paul bluntly saying that LeBron understands Brunson is in charge shows his willingness to concede touches. Brown would have the opportunity to work with James in a manner that amplifies his skill set without taking away from others.
Why They Should Not
Paul alluded to this during the podcast, but James brings so much more than just the incredibly skilled basketball player to the table. He brings the media frenzy, an entire enterprise and so much more. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is a distraction, especially if he plans on having a documentary made about his final season.
The Knicks just won a championship with very close to the same roster. Maintaining consistency in a conference that has had major shakeups seems prudent when you’re the defending champs. Positionally, extra depth at the wing is always helpful but the Knicks are as primed as any to bypass on James with Hart, Anunoby and Bridges already in tow.
That positive energy could be disrupted if Hart was forced to be taken out of the starting lineup. Hart mentioned his starting out on the bench as a difficulty for him last season. It would be risky to do so again, especially for a one year rental.
The Knicks have an offensive pie that has a healthy distribution. Brunson takes the lion’s share of the shots, but the rest of the cast is involved in the action. Mike Brown shared that a difficulty for him last year was optimizing Karl-Anthony Towns and a player that will command some of the touches could eat into how much the offense evolved in the playoffs. The coaching staff seems primed and ready to utilize Towns more heavily next season.
Ultimately, it’s hard to weigh the non-basketball factors in comparison to the actual basketball ones. The passing and force of James could be a boon to the Knicks offense, but what happens if a bump in the road hits? The Knicks were able to come together as a group during difficult moments last season, and the media circus that comes with the inclusion of James on the team could be too much to overcome.
It may be blasphemous to say but the organization may be best asking Brunson not to pick up the phone.