‘We don’t want you’ – Knicks fans chant brutal message at LeBron James during his 76ers debut
Philadelphia 76ers superstar LeBron James got a cold reception from the home fans of the New York Knicks upon his debut on opening night. The NBA schedule-makers decided to make opening night one of the biggest nights of the regular season by pitting two of the biggest moments against one another.
LeBron James was met with a hostile crowd when he made his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers, as the New York Knicks fans roared their disapproval. The NBA's decision to have the two teams play on opening night, with the Knicks hoping to claim their first championship in 53 years, prompted the cold reception. As James entered the free-throw line in the first half, Madison Square Garden fans repeatedly chanted "We don’t want you," a direct reference to James' own admission of joining the Knicks in the 2026 offseason if they hadn't already won the title.
The Knicks organization expressed little interest in bringing James aboard after their championship victory, with players such as Jalen Brunson confirming they weren't pursuing him in free agency like other teams did. Despite James' affinity for the historic franchise and Madison Square Garden, the Knicks' championship secured their title aspirations and eliminated the need for a LeBron addition.
The 76ers were leading the 58-54 Knicks at halftime, with James contributing five points, four rebounds, and five assists in 16 minutes of play.
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