A notable long-time New York Knicks reporter, radio, and television analyst believes that if LeBron James is serious about getting in one more title before he retires, forcing a trade to Gotham is what he should be doing this summer.
James is locked into a record 23rd NBA season. However, it is unclear where he will be playing. While most assumed he would finish his career as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers , his goal of winning a championship now and their pivot to more long-term thinking with Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise don't align. It is why there has been speculation that he could be moved this summer.
The Knicks and James have danced around each other for years and never started a relationship. Well, ESPN NBA and MSG Knicks analyst Alan Hahn believes if the league legend is serious about winning one last title, there is only one perfect fit for him: New York .
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"Where is the fastest, easiest path to the NBA Finals for LeBron James ? It is the place he has avoided his entire career. That's right, everybody, it's right here in New York," Hahn said on ESPN's Get Up . "I dare him, I double dog dare him. If you really believe in all the words you're saying [about winning another title], the one place you know you could go, all you have to do is say it, sing it if you want, is New York, New York.
"If he does that, it's a gigantic narrative that you know he loves. And it's a place that you could say, if he comes here, there is a path to the NBA Finals.
LeBron James stats (2024-25): 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 378% 3PT
With the Knicks coming up a couple of wins short of reaching the NBA Finals in June, Hahn isn't wrong about that path. They may be one major trade away from having a team that can end their 52-year streak without a championship. Furthermore, New York is one of the few teams that are a good fit for a potential trade.
LeBron James is set to make just over $52 million next season. The organization may not be against moving All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns , who makes $53 million next season. A one-for-one trade would be the way to go, and LA probably won't be against pairing KAT with Doncic for a couple of seasons.
The storyline would be the biggest in the NBA next season. And that epic narrative to end his career is something Hahn believes should be very enticing to the 21-time All-Star.
"Let me remind everybody. This franchise, it's been more than a half century since they've won a championship," Hahn said. "He has four. He's not going to catch Michael Jordan with six. But a lot of people think if you win one here, it's equal to two. So just think about that. If you want the best story possible, LeBron to New York is the best story."
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