LeBron James got a rough welcome in his debut game as a Philadelphia 76er when he took to the court against the New York Knicks.
James took to the floor at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening as the road team for the Knicks’ banner-raising opener.
But the occasion grew testy as James was seen shouting back at fans near the floor of the Garden multiple times.
At one point in the second quarter, he was seen saying multiple words to baseline fans during a live play.
During another instance at the free throw line, James was seen shouting over to one fan where he could be seen cursing them out.
‘You don’t know what the f*** you talkin about,’ James appeared to say. ‘I’m not from the West Coast. I’m from Ohio, baby. Ay, f*** you talkin about.’
LeBron James received a tense welcome as a Sixer from New York Knicks fans
James was seen yelling at a Knicks fan, saying ‘I’m from Ohio, baby, f*** you talkin about’
James eventually came back over and made peace with the fan later in the game
According to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, Knicks superfan Spike Lee stood up to try and keep things calm between James and the fan.
Later in the game, James was seen walking back over to the fan and dapping him up to diffuse the situation.
James joined the Sixers over the summer after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.
The superstar previously mentioned that he wanted to join the Knicks, but ultimately chose not to after New York won the NBA title.
‘I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,’ James told ESPN in September. ‘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.’
This revelation led to Knicks fans chanting ‘We don’t want you’ while James was shooting free throws during the game.
James and the Sixers spoiled the Knicks’ championship party with a six-point victory
But James didn’t let the chanting get to him as the Sixers spoiled the Knicks’ banner raising party with a 106-100 victory.
James led the team in assists with seven alongside 14 points and nine rebounds in his Philadelphia debut. Guard Tyrese Maxey led the team in scoring with 28 points plus four rebounds and five assists.
As for the Knicks, guard Jalen Brunson carried the load with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists. Karl-Anthony Towns put up a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds while new acquisition Andre Drummond led the bench scorers with 12 points and a team-high 14 boards.
The Knicks will play their first road game of the season on Friday when they travel to face the rival Boston Celtics.
