While filling as the host of the Michael K. Show on ESPN Radio earlier today, Stephen A. Smith dropped a bit of a bombshell for New York Knicks fans. HOOPSWORLD’s Tommy Beer notified us by tweeting Smith’s rumors about LeBron James possibly coming to the Knicks not this summer, but next.
Would this have any connection to the report of the Knicks offering Carmelo Anthony the chance to pick his teammates in 2015? It’s possible, but more than likely unrelated… since the sources are from two distinctly different corners.
LeBron flirted with the Big Apple in the summer of 2010, when most pundits believed his destination was either Manhattan or staying in Cleveland (South Beach swooped in at the last minute). New York fans grew so attached to the idea that shirts like this one were commonplace. Even up until the night of “The Decision,” the Knicks were a key player in the LeBron sweepstakes.
Because of that, no one should downplay this rumor just because it’s New York and they love a good story, or because it’s Stephen A. and he’s known to say some wild things. LeBron’s reported infatuation with being the country’s biggest star could lead him to consider New York, the country’s biggest city.
Here’s a run-down of what Stephen A. said via Beer’s twitter timeline:
Stephen A Smith, on ESPN radio, says Lebron has "let work seep out" that he will "strongly consider" signing w/ #Knicks as a FA in 2 years
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) July 30, 2013
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Should have been *word in that previous tweet… Yes, SAS was claiming it depends how the "Knicks position themselves" over the next 2 years
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) July 30, 2013
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SAS was suggesting that LeBron might not opt next summer b/c D Wade & Pat Riley may retire after 2014-15 season…
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) July 30, 2013
"LeBron has let a couple of people know… he may consider the NY Knicks a stronger possibility than any of us have ever imagined" – Stephen A
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) July 30, 2013
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What are the chance LeBron ever plays for the Knicks?
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