By Michael Ventura
DNAinfo Senior Editor
MANHATTAN — LeBron James winning a title in Manhattan would not only send Knicks fans into a state of euphoria, but would bring in $58 million to the city, too.
That's the conclusion of a new secret study done by the city's Economic Development Corporation, the Daily News reported.
It said that if the Knicks won an NBA title, their first since 1973, and if the finals went seven games (meaning four games in Madison Square Garden) the city could haul in $57.8 million from tourists coming to the city, booking hotel rooms and dining at local restaurants.
Those hotels and eateries, in turn, would hire more staff, meaning more wages, and Knicks fans would buy more team gear, sources familiar with the report told the News.
But all that money might never materialize.
James told Larry King Tuesday night that he's leaning toward staying in Cleveland.
When King asked if James was leaning toward “the place you know best,” James replied, “Absolutely."
"Because, you know, this city, these fans, I mean, have given me a lot in these seven years,” James continued. “And, you know, for me, it's comfortable. So I've got a lot of memories here. And — and so it does have an edge.”
Knicks fans from Spike Lee to Mayor Michael Bloomberg have been pulling for King James to come to the Big Apple, some even offering the superstar advice on where to dine here.
DNAinfo has posted a ticker counting down to July 1, when James becomes a free agent.
