New LeBron James Rumors Uncover Knicks as Potential NBA Free-Agent Landing Spot After Lakers Exit

The New York Knicks could be looking at bringing in the NBA's all-time leading scorer before defending their 2026 title.

NBA insider Jake Fischer said Thursday on a Bleacher Report livestream the Knicks "have shown some interest in LeBron James."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that James had informed the Los Angeles Lakers he would be departing to join another team in free agency.

Charania later added that James would be willing to accept a minimum contract in order to play for a contending team.

The Knicks currently have access to the $2.45 million veteran minimum exception, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

That could allow the Knicks to add James without exceeding the second apron. Knicks owner James Dolan said after his team's title win he would not go over that limit to keep his team together next season, per ESPN's Vincent Goodwill.

NBA insider Marc Stein named the Knicks as a potential landing spot for James back in May, citing James' "deep fondness for Madison Square Garden."

Even if the veteran minimum is enough for James, the Knicks would have to beat out other star-studded teams to attract the former Lakers star to New York.

James' agent Rich Paul recently said he had spoken to more than a dozen teams including the Golden State Warriors since his client hit free agency.

Other suitors for James include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, according to Charania.

Those teams could offer James a range of different salaries. The Warriors could potentially offer a $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, per Charania. The Sixers, like the Knicks, would be limited to the veteran minimum, Charania noted.

Charania has previously reported James is not expected to make a "financially-driven decision." Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor recently reported the former Lakers star could be hoping to recoup some of the money left on the table by filming a season-long documentary with his next team.

Paul has repeatedly emphasized his client's desire to compete for a title in what could be his final NBA season.

The Knicks' ability to convince James the team can remain competitive with its current core, despite offseason changes including losing center Mitchell Robinson in free agency, could be key should the franchise decide to pursue him as a new offensive partner for Jalen Brunson.