"They’re going to hold that against you”: LeBron James' move to the Philadelphia 76ers sparks fresh debate ahead of the new season

LeBron James, the 41 year old NBA icon, sparked shockwaves when he decided to sign a contract with the Philadelphia 76ers for two years as he has hinted at that’s where he wants to retire. Ahead of the new season, LeBron James has weighed in on how he initially wanted to join the New York Knicks but instead signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after the Knicks won last season. It seems these comments have not gone down well with many.LeBron James receives warning after he hinted at how he initially planned to join the New York Knicks but settled with thePhiladelphia 76ers insteadFormer NBA player and coach Byron Scott said, "LeBron, my brother, I mean, I love you, but why would you tell the fans in Philly that you wouldn't have been here if the Knicks hadn't won a championship? That you would have been in New York."Former NBA player and coach Byron Scott added, "The fans in Philly are worse than the fans in New York. Yes, they are," he continued. "You remember they threw snowballs at Santa Claus. They don't care. They're going to hold that against. Y'all don't win this year, man, they going to be pissed at you."While the former Los Angeles Lakers’ icon LeBron James has not commented on the criticism he has received for his comments yet, his agent Rich Paul has admitted that he would have joined the New York Knicks.In an episode of his podcast Game Over, LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul said, "If the Knicks hadn't won, there would be no board. He'd be going to the Knicks…. Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say 'hey man, there's no issue with me.' They (Knicks) have checked in…”LeBron James adjusts in the Philadelphia 76ers as he wishes to retire in the next few yearsA few days ago, in an interview, the 41 year old NBA icon LeBron James said, “So I’m still getting into the whole everything, on the court and off the court, living and also being around these guys every day. It’s a lot of adjustment for me, but, every day we’ll get better and better."Though the NBA icon has not hinted at when he wants to retire from the league, many analysts have predicted that his current contract with the Philadelphia 76ers could be his last term in the league.In the last few years, LeBron James has gone more and more public about seeking retirement as he prefers to spend more time with his family after playing in the league for over two decades of his life.For now, the focus remains on the new season for LeBron James.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.