The Knicks Were Reportedly LeBron James’ First Choice in 2010, But Meeting Was A “Disaster”

The Knicks may have suffered their greatest loss in franchise history back in 2010 after a disastrous meeting with LeBron James.

According to Bleacher Report, LeBron’s first pick as a free agent was The Knicks, before ultimately signing with the Miami Heat.

“From everyone I’ve talked to in the know since then, it’s clear that the Knicks were the first choice,” Bill Simmons said on his podcast. “It was basically the Knicks’ to lose, and they just couldn’t stay out of their own way. The stories are legendary.”

The Knicks apparently went all out with their presentation to LeBron, even hiring James Gandolfini and Edie Falco for their pitch, but it still went south because management lacked long-term vision.

“[Knicks owner James] Dolan was Dolan. They didn’t have anything prepared. It just couldn’t have gone worse by all accounts. It was a disaster. I think at that point, combined with the decade the Knicks just had, I think those guys were just like ‘f**k it,'” Simmons said.

At the time, the Knicks had around $34 million in cap space going into the summer of 2010, which would have been enough for two free agents.

LeBron shocked everyone with his decision to go to The Heat and join Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.