On Friday, LeBron James finally announced where he will be playing basketball next season.

Yes, its still wildly amazing that north of 40 years old, his arrival to a new team still can find a way to stop you in your tracks.

LeBron’s new home is a place a hop, skip & a jump away from the Big Apple.

The King is taking his talents to the city of brotherly love. It’s wild to type that LeBron James is a Philadelphia 76er.

For the league, for the Eastern Conference and the Knicks road to a repeat, I absolutely love it.

Now, before you question my sanity. Hear me out.

Yes, I’m aware LeBron James going to Philadelphia makes the 76ers much better.

They have a starting 5 with the new arrivals of James and former Finals MVP Jalen Brown that can rival the Knicks.

Totally true.

Yes, it’s also accurate that talent wise Philly is the most viable threat to the Knicks.

So, how is this a good thing for the defending champs? Simple.

Its another dangling carrot of motivation.

It’s very difficult for defending champions to have that same eye of the tiger.

The Knicks aren’t a group where motivation would necessarily come into question, but I also love any potential motivators along the way.

There may be no greater motivator in the East than a dangerous, hungry contender!

The battles between the Knicks and the Sixers throughout 26-27 have incredibly sizzle and box office potential.

I expect the environment to bring out the best in the Knicks.

LeBron may have chosen Philadelphia, but deep down its no secret. He wanted the Knicks.

If the Knicks did not do the unthinkable this past June, LeBron would be a Knick.

The idea that his camp still inquired about the team’s interest and the Knicks essentially said no thanks, is simply amazing.

The Knicks didn’t need LeBron to win their first title in 53 years. To win their second, now they’ll have to beat him.

Get your popcorn ready!