While most have assumed LeBron James' move to Los Angeles is inevitable, one of the city's biggest stars thinks otherwise.
Clippers forward Blake Griffin told the View from the Cheap Seats podcast (h/t Aaron Mansfield of Complex.com) that he believes a move to the New York Knicks is more likely.
"I could see him going to New York before L.A.," Griffin said. "I still think, when you go to the Garden, it's a completely different feeling. The energy there seems like there's just a consistent buzz the entire game... even last year when you go play them, it's still there."
Griffin added, "Honestly, I don't see him coming to L.A. period. Listen, again, I have no idea [laughs]. I think something is brewing with him and his group of guys. I don't know what's going to happen, but I think something's brewing and they're going to try to make that work."
Griffin is, of course, referring to James' "Banana Boat" crew of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul.
Anthony is, for the time being, still with the Knicks, although he has been actively seeking a trade throughout the offseason and the franchise has explored offers.
Wade, on the other hand, isn't expected to stay with his hometown Chicago Bulls longterm, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN.com.
Chris Paul, Griffin's former Clippers teammate, could sign elsewhere next summer after opting out of the final year of his contract in order to facilitate his trade to the Houston Rockets this offseason.
As for James, it has been reported that he is "100 percent" leaving Cleveland due to his irrepairable relationship with owner Dan Gilbert. The four-time NBA MVP can become a free agent next season and is expected to favor a move to Los Angeles, where he owns an offseason home.
If problems with ownership are enough to make the returning prodigal son once again leave his hometown, surely he wouldn't want to play for Knicks owner James Dolan, right?
But that won't be enough to stop Knicks fans' excitement at the prospect of James joining the team.
KNICKS FANS...SOUND THE ALARM:
