Unfortunately for the New York Knicks, however, in that universe, they are now entering their 54th year without an NBA championship.

Speaking during Monday's media day as the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James named the five teams that his free agency decision came down to — revealing that had the Knicks not beaten the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals in June, they might have trumped all of them.

"I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," he told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "One of the best places I've ever played. I think it's the No. 1 arena in the world [for a basketball player]."

Ultimately, LeBron said that he feared the potential backlash he would receive had he joined the reigning champions. He felt like the media wouldn't have let him live that decision down.

And he's probably right, if the reaction to Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016 is anything to go by.

In the end, James says that it was between the Sixers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors, the Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He shouted out the Knicks, though, for having "an unbelievable team" with unbelievable players, including Jalen Brunson. But his feeling is that he made the right call.

"I'm happy where I'm at," LeBron said. "I'm looking forward to it." 

The Knicks famously swept the Sixers in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, en route to clinching their first title in 53 years. They beat the Spurs 4-1 in the Finals, closing out the series behind a 45-point eruption from Brunson. 

In the upcoming campaign, James will get to play at MSG at least twice — on opening night, Oct. 20, and on Feb. 27. He also said that he will be living in New York and Philadelphia during his time as a Sixer. 

LeBron has never shied away from having a soft spot for the Big Apple and the Knicks' arena, which he has previously called his "favorite playground." 

Across 33 career appearances at MSG to date, James has averaged 28.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.9 rebounds — boasting a 24-9 record. 

One of the crown jewel performances of his storied career came in New York on Feb. 4, 2009 — just 48 hours after Kobe Bryant set a then MSG scoring record by dropping 61 points on the Knicks.

LeBron went off for 52 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, and two blocks to lead his Cavs past the Knicks, 107-102. He also has multiple 30-point triple-doubles in the 'Mecca of Basketball.' 

Had the Knicks not won last year's championship, and it was LeBron who led them to snap what would have then been a 54-year title drought, his legend would have grown beyond realistic measure.

If James is already largely considered to be the greatest of all time, imagine the levels his grandeur could have reached with the consensus backing of the city of New York.

However, Philadelphia is a city not far from New York, and its appetite for basketball success is now by far the largest on the East Coast.

By acquiring LeBron, the Sixers are hoping he will help them end a run of 43 years without a championship.

On paper, James fits well in Philly — teaming up with the likes of former MVP Joel Embiid, former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, and ascending star Tyrese Maxey. As a quartet, they are immediately one of the favorites to come out of the East in the spring.

Should James, 41, be able to pull off the feat in his 24th season — in the City of Brotherly Love — it would arguably go down as his career's greatest achievement.

Outside of hanging up a banner for his hometown Cavaliers, no other city he has previously played in would love him more than Philly. An NBA championship there might put him right on par with Rocky Balboa; that's how much the Sixers mean to the local community.