Stephen A. Smith Begs For LeBron James Knicks Trade

New York Knicks fan/critic Stephen A. Smith begged the team to trade for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James in anticipation of his monthly visit.

The New York Knicks are star hunting and there isn't one bigger than Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who could be a free agent come this summer.

While James' agent Rich Paul has said that the four-time champion won't be dealt ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith encouraged the Knicks to shoot their shot on one of the last editions of "First Take" before New York and Los Angeles do battle on Saturday night (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

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“If LeBron James wants to put himself in position to win a championship, get traded to the New York Knicks,” Smith said. “Centerstage, Madison Square Garden, the Mecca!”

James has always been a fan of playing at MSG and has flirted with the idea of playing for the Knicks on several occasions, most notably during his first departure from Cleveland in 2010. He ultimately took his talents to South Beach to sign with the Miami Heat to chase championships, eventually winning two alongside Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Perhaps the Knicks' current set-up, headlined by first-time All-Star Jalen Brunson, could inspire the 39-year-old James to make one last title run in Manhattan.

“It’s orange and blue skies, baby!" Smith encouraged. "Let me tell you something, I know you’re a billionaire already, but (darn) it, that dude (Knicks owner James) Dolan, no matter how bad he can be in other areas, he knows how to make you money. Kevin Durant made that mistake by not coming to Madison Square Garden."

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If the Knicks are going to acquire LeBron, it will likely have to wait until the offseason before the two sides can complete a sign-and-trade deal.