{
  "id": 10867628,
  "title": "Knicks news: What Stephen A. Smith would have done to get LeBron James",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/knicks-news-what-stephen-a-smith-would-have-done-to-get-lebron-james",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T05:28:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/knicks-news-stephen-smith-done-052857279.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith admitted he would have done whatever it takes to land LeBron James in New York, even if it meant \"begging\" the four-time champion. The veteran commentator, speaking on his podcast, said he would have said anything to secure James’ services for the Knicks, \"if that required some begging on my part.\" Smith clarified that his comments were made while the Knicks were still the NBA champions, and he expressed gratitude for their championship win. James ultimately opted to join the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a two-year, $8 million deal. The four-time NBA MVP, nearing the end of his career, would likely never suit up for the Knicks, making Stephen A. Smith's hypothetical offer a mere pipe dream. The two had a public spat last season, with James even confronting Smith during a Knicks-Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena in March.",
  "summary": "Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James admitted that he would have signed with the New York Knicks in free agency had they failed in the NBA Finals in June. It was a bombshell revelation, especially since James and the Knicks have a fascinating history. The four-time MVP has always enjoyed playing in New York . The Knicks tried to lure him in free […] The post Knicks news: What Stephen A. Smith…",
  "key_points": [
    "Stephen A. Smith would have begged LeBron James to join Knicks.",
    "Smith made offer while Knicks were NBA champions.",
    "James chose Philadelphia 76ers over Knicks."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Stephen A. Smith's willingness to beg LeBron James to join the Knicks shows how desperate he would have been to bring a top player to the team.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Stephen A Smith Makes Stunning LeBron James Admission After Knicks Championship",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/stephen-a-smith-makes-stunning-lebron-james-admission-after-knicks",
        "published": "2026-09-30T00:38:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}