Why the Knicks need to enter the LeBron James Sweepstakes

A long time ago, the Knicks devised a plan to acquire LeBron James when he was a free agent for the first time. The plan inevitably fell through and James took his talents to South Beach, joining the Miami Heat. Since then James has been a four-time NBA MVP, a three-time champion, a three-time Finals MVP, and much more. He eventually returned to Cleveland and brought his hometown a championship. Most recently, James was named the third best basketball player in history by ESPN. Now in his 15th season, James seems to be a stranger to Father Time as he continues to put up MVP-type numbers. Since February, he has been averaging a triple-double. On the season, he is averaging 27 points per game while shooting 54% from the field. He is also averaging 8.4 rebounds and nine assists per game. As phenomenal as he has been, even with a roster shake-up, the Cleveland Cavaliers currently sit in fourth place in the East. Mass speculation has led to rumors of James leaving Cleveland once again and taking his talents elsewhere. Thus far, the two teams gunning for him have been the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Rockets have also been deemed a contender in the race for James. However, if James does choose to depart from Cleveland, the New York Knicks need to throw their hat in the ring.

Trouble in the Big Apple

It has been a tough year for New York. After trading Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks have been struggling mightily. Between October and November, the team gelled with Kristaps Porzingis as the face of the franchise. However, a barrage of injuries sent the Knicks barreling out of the playoff picture in the East. The nail in the coffin came with Porzingis’ ACL tear, destroying any postseason hopes the team may have had. The team looks to just survive the rest of the season and focus their energy on next year. While the idea was to focus on the young core, an injured Kristaps Porzingis derails that plan a bit. The team needs a change if it wants to win. Adding LeBron James to the roster would certainly fix any of the team’s woes.

All Hail the King

LeBron James is still the best player on the planet. Every team short of the Golden State Warriors could use his services. This offseason he will be a free agent and there is a chance that he may leave Cleveland for good this time. If he does choose to do that the Knicks should put themselves in play. Last offseason, the Cavaliers discussed trading for Porzingis in order to pair him with James. That can still be a reality if he comes to New York. Of course, Porzingis will be slow at first while recovering from injury, but the duo could be a scary combination for opponents. Not to mention between James and Kanter, the Knicks would essentially own the boards. Of course playing in New York may not sound like the sweetest deal for James, but it actually may be mutually beneficial.

End of his Reign

LeBron James’ dominance may be coming to a close. There is no indication that he is slowing down, but speculation suggests that he only has a few years left in the NBA. He would make no greater statement then playing for the Knicks. The Big Apple would give him the NBA’s biggest stage on a nightly basis. On top of that it would be a historical statement. The Knicks haven’t won a championship since 1973. If LeBron could come to this city and bring them a championship it could solidify his spot as the greatest player of all time. He would be at the top of the NBA pantheon of greats for doing the impossible. Ending his career on that note would be a great challenge, but James may just have the talent to do it.

The Knicks need help and James needs a home. Ending his career in New York, especially if it ends with a championship, would be the greatest feat of his career. The Knicks should not hesitate to make a deal as the “Chosen One” may just be able to break the New York curse.