LeBron James Taunted by Knicks Fans with ‘We Don’t Want You’ Chants at MSG

NEED TO KNOW

• LeBron James was greeted with chants of “we don’t want you” during the New York Knicks’ season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Oct. 20
• The 76ers star recently said he contemplated joining the Knicks as a free agent before signing with Philadelphia
• James has relocated his family to New York City and travels to Philadelphia by helicopter for games

LeBron James was taunted by New York Knicks fans at the season-opening game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

In footage circulating on social media Tuesday night, James, 41, was met with chants of “we don’t want you” from Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden as he lined up at the free-throw line. The chirps appear to stem from remarks previously made by James, who contemplated joining the Knicks as a free agent.

The 76ers star, who left the Los Angeles Lakers after eight years over the summer, told ESPN last month that he envisioned wrapping his storied NBA career with the New York franchise.

“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said during the 76ers’ annual media day. “One of the best places I’ve ever played.”

He added, “I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it.”

James agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers over the summer.

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James will play the Knicks at Madison Square Garden at least twice in the regular season, first on Tuesday and then on Feb. 27.

“Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down, at all,” James said of the public scrutiny that would have been attached to him joining the Knicks. “But much respect to the Knicks, obviously.”

“An unbelievable team, unbelievable players,” he added. “Shout out, Jalen Brunson. I love that guy, he’s unbelievable. But, yeah, I’m happy where I’m at, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Despite playing in Philadelphia, James is traveling to work via helicopter from New York this season. It is roughly a 40-minute ride.

James told reporters on Monday, Oct. 19, “Yeah, I’ve done it before,” and called the helicopter “just another way of transportation.”

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