The New York Knicks were flooded with celebrity support during their historic 2026 NBA title run, with the likes of U.S. President Donald Trump and pop icon Taylor Swift among the biggest names to make appearances at Madison Square Garden.
However, according to ESPN analyst and lifelong New York fan Stephen A. Smith, only one loyal Knicks supporter deserves his own championship ring.
Stephen A. Smith Backs Viral Post Calling for Spike Lee To Receive Knicks Title Ring
Amid all the hype and commotion surrounding New York’s first championship in 53 years, filmmaker and actor Spike Lee was among those most appreciative of seeing the storied franchise get over the hump.
Lee has been a courtside stalwart at MSG for the last 41 years, becoming a season ticket holder in 1985, and has stuck with the Knicks through thick and thin. This includes during the organization’s prolonged playoff droughts in the 2000s and 2010s, when a title felt like a distant dream.
The 69-year-old, whose fandom dates back to 1970, was on the court at Frost Bank Center on Saturday, celebrating in jubilation as the Knicks capped off an improbable 4-1 series victory over the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs.
A day later, calls began mounting for Lee to be rewarded for his dedication, with Raphouse TV outlining his case for a ring on X, including him having “spent over $10 million total supporting the Knicks.”
Smith, who endorsed Lee as the only New York fan worthy of a ring after Game 2 of the Finals, didn’t hesitate to back the viral post.
“I completely support this for Spike Lee. No Knicks fan deserves this more than him,” Smith wrote on X on Sunday.
I completely support this for Spike Lee. No Knicks’ fan deserves this more than him https://t.co/AFJGv7FAgS
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 14, 2026
As for Lee, regardless of how the Knicks respond to his longstanding allegiance, the Academy Award winner already has his sights set on a repeat.
“Thank you, Jesus,” Lee said after New York’s 94-90 Game 5 triumph before adding, “You know what I’m thinking? Back to back!”
With their first title since 1973, the Knicks became the NBA’s eighth different champion in the last eight years, a testament to the league’s parity.
While Jalen Brunson and Co. entered the Finals as underdogs, they overcame double-digit deficits in all four of their victories.
Amid its dominant 16-3 postseason run, which included a franchise-best 13 straight wins, New York set an NBA playoff record with a plus-283 point differential.
“They don’t quit,” Lee said, highlighting his “favorite part” about the 2025-26 Knicks. “No lead is safe.”
