Nets winning Big Apple race for LeBron

Do Mike D'Antoni and the Knicks still have a shot? (AP)

After Day 1 of free agency, it appears LeBron favors the Nets over the Knicks. At least, that’s what Brian Windhorst says.

“Here’s what I hear from yesterday: LeBron interested in Nets pitch but not so much NY. NY trying at moment to secure Amare’ to help cause,” Windhorst tweeted Friday morning.

The King met with Jay-Z and the Nets for 90 minutes, and then the New York brass for nearly three hours on Thursday in Cleveland. Though both teams came away optimistic, New Jersey has a little more going for it in the big race: friend Jay-Z, a billionaire owner, cap space and a roster to build around.

The Knicks, too, have cap space (enough for two max players), the Big Apple and a $1 billion plan. But they lack a core group and may have already lost out on getting Joe Johnson, Chris Bosh or another max player. Even if they do snag Amar’e Stoudemire, it may not be enough to lure the King. [Brian Windhorst]