For the first time since he was drafted into the NBA, David Lee was rooting against the Knicks. And it was highly personal.

The date was memorable in NBA history — July 8, 2010 — and Lee was glued to “The Decision” with his future at stake.

“I was literally sitting there watching LeBron’s selection show like, ‘Man, if you pick any place but New York, then I have my deal done,” Lee told The Post.

The $80 million deal to join the Warriors — a blockbuster back then — was <a href="https://nypost.com/2010/04/04/lees-knicks-future-at-mercy-of-lebron-other-big-free-agents/">contingent on the Knicks having salary-cap space</a> to facilitate a sign-and-trade. LeBron James signing with the Knicks would have destroyed the deal, sending Lee to one of three other destinations, as he outlined in our interview:

David Lee is enjoying retirement, fatherhood and a high-profile marriage as a proud Knicks alumnus.{ai:summary}<p>David Lee, drafted by the Knicks, found himself hoping LeBron James would not choose New York during "The Decision" on July 8, 2010. His $80 million deal with the Warriors hinged on the Knicks maintaining salary-cap space for a sign-and-trade.</p><p>Had LeBron signed with the Knicks, Lee's lucrative contract would have been jeopardized, forcing him to other teams. #sports</p>

David Lee sees something special (and early Warriors-like) brewing with these Knicks

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