Lakers’ LeBron James urged to play for Knicks in possible final season

The playing future of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is certainly up in the air past the 2025-26 season.

The 41-year-old is currently playing in the 23rd season of his NBA career, but it's possible it won't be his last. However, it could be his final in the purple and gold. Although nothing is set in stone, former teammate turned ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has suggested that his tenure in Los Angeles may be coming to a close.

In his most recent appearance on ESPN's NBA Today, he said James should consider playing the final season of his career with the New York Knicks. 

“If I’m LeBron I would really really consider going to play my last year with the New York Knicks. Could you imagine what that would do for the game of basketball, for the NBA?” Perkins said. “The Knicks still have a roster, where… (they) would still have a legitimate shot at making a run…(LeBron) still has a lot in the tank, he can go still go out and give you 20, five, and five.”

Perkins and James were teammates as members of the Cleveland Cavaliers in two different stints (2014-15 and 2017-18). 

Knicks Have Been Long Linked to LeBron James

James has considered joining the Knicks as a free agent in the past. More notably, during his infamous 2010 free agency; however, James ultimately joined the Miami Heat, where he won two titles. 

When James was a free agent again in 2014, he considered the Knicks once again. However, he opted to return to Cleveland. The future Hall of Famer has mentioned on multiple occasions that his favorite place to play basketball is Madison Square Garden. 

In over 32 appearances at MSG, James holds a 24-8 record and averages 28.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.9 steals in 38.8 minutes.