Despite LeBron James’ Greatness, MLB Icon Derek Jeter Once Denied Using His Influence to Help Out New York City

Derek Jeter has been one of New York’s greatest champions to date. During his 20-year career with the New York Yankees, Jeter achieved what many baseball players can only dream of. Furthermore, his status as a Yankee star put him in a very exclusive category of players. Jeter interacted with a number of superstar-level athletes across sports. But this once put the Yankee legend in a difficult position.

The Yankees legend was once asked to recruit an NBA to the New York Knicks. This put him in an awkward position. But the Yankee legend was resolute in his response. He, along with a rap icon, refused to recruit this NBA star for the Knicks. The only question that remains is who the NBA star was.

Derek Jeter and Jay Z refused to recruit LeBron James to the New York Knicks

In 2010, when LeBron James was set to become a free agent, many teams wanted to sign him. One of those teams was the New York Knicks. According to a 2010 report by ESPN, the Knicks wanted Yankees players to help recruit James to New York. But Derek Jeter said that he didn’t see the point in doing that and refused. Furthermore, rap legend Jay Z also refused to recruit James to New York.

Jeter said “If I were going to another baseball team, how would a basketball player help? I don’t play basketball. I have nothing to do with that.” He further emphasized that him recruiting James wouldn’t work, saying, “I don’t see how it would work. It is completely different.”

Read More: Derek Jeter picks this NBA legend over LeBron James

Jay Z said that the decision was James’ to make and that he couldn’t influence it. “We’re friends — we’ve still gotta hang out! I don’t want to convince somebody to do something, then have to see him and say, ‘Uh, yeah, we’re 4-30 … sorry,” he said. But Derek Jeter also confirmed a very important thing about the Lakers star.

Jeter confirmed that LeBron James is a Yankees fan

On more than one occasion, Derek Jeter has confirmed that LeBron James is a fan of the New York Yankees. This has been proven by James wearing Yankees merchandise in public on multiple occasions.

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Notably, James and Jeter have met multiple times and one can assume that they are good friends. What do you think about Jeter refusing to recruit LeBron James for the New York Knicks? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.