The NBA superstar would have signed with the Knicks if they hadn’t lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, James’ agent Rich Paul said in a podcast with Max Kellerman released on Friday.
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board,” Paul said, referring to a whiteboard charting James’ options. “He’d be going to the Knicks.”
James, 41, said earlier this off-season that he would not be returning to the Los Angeles, where he spent seven seasons and won his fourth championship.
Paul added that James has since spoken with all but two the league’s other 29 teams. And it does not appear the Knicks have been completely ruled out either.
“When LeBron comes onto your team, I don’t care if you’ve just won a championship, I don’t care if you’ve been the best player, it’s different. His enterprise value and what he carries is different and (Knicks head coach) Mike Brown knows this. Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey man, it’s no issue with me.'”
James has also been linked in reports to the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers, who just added Jaylen Brown in a shocking trade with the Boston Celtics.
Paul’s whiteboard mocked James into starting lineups for the Cavaliers, 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves while also mentioning the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and Warriors.
James remains an impact player despite his age, coming off a season with the Lakers in which he appeared in 60 games while averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists while helping Los Angeles reach the second round.