Stephen A. Smith was ready to ‘beg’ LeBron James to join New York Knicks

Despite their issues, Stephen A. Smith was willing to do whatever it took to help bring LeBron James to the New York Knicks .

James recently revealed that he almost joined the Knicks this summer, but opted against it after they won the NBA championship.

This revelation has prompted Smith to make a statement of his own – one that few would have expected from the ESPN figure.

Stephen A. Smith wanted LeBron James to join the Knicks if they didn't win the championship

Speaking on his show, Stephen A. Smith admitted that he was willing to do whatever it took to bring LeBron James to the New York Knicks.

While he caveated his statement by saying that it was under the condition that the Knicks didn't win the championship, Smith was ready to beg James to join his beloved team.

"Let me say this. We all know some of the history that involves yours truly and LeBron James. We do not get along. We do not talk. The history is what it is.

"It obviously existed before the New York Knicks won the championship. The fact that he's not coming to New York doesn't bother me one bit.

"But I'm going to confess to you that it is only because the New York Knicks won the championship. I am grown-a** man. There's too much love in the world to be focused on dislike and hatred. I do not hate or dislike that man. I'm over whatever it is that we got going on…

"If the New York Knicks had lost in the playoffs or in the NBA finals this year, I had every intention of begging LeBron James to come to New York. I don't give a d*** what it took. You need me to send some flowers? Need me to caddy for you while you try to play golf? What you need, bro?…

"Even in his 24th season, even approaching age 42, the brother is still one of the top 20 players in the world. His basketball IQ is unmatched. He's a four-time champion and four-time league MVP.

"To me, if the New York Knicks had not won, he would have been the clear and obvious missing link for the New York Knicks.

"And if that required some begging on my part, in order to do it, I would have done it. I would have begged LeBron James. I ain't got no shame."

Considering the history between the two figures, it's surprising to see Smith admit how much he was willing to do to help bring LeBron James to New York.

The two have been at odds since the start of 2025, when Smith made seemingly disparaging remarks about LeBron as a father.

Regardless, we'll never know what Smith would have done to convince LeBron to join the Knicks, as the franchise won their first NBA championship in 53 years.