LeBron James Eager to Own an Expansion Team in Las Vegas
Following the Lakers’ preseason loss to the Suns Wednesday night, LeBron James spoke on his continuing desire to own an expansion team in Las Vegas.
In the postgame press conference, James said, “I want the team here, Adam. Thank you.”
James was explicitly mentioning NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, directing his desire for ownership straight to the man in charge.
The 37-year-old first mentioned owning a team in Las Vegas in June during an episode of “The Shop.” James feels Vegas has, “The best fanbase in the world,” making it a perfect fit for an expansion team. Silver himself has said that the league will expand at some point, just not at the moment.
When the league does inevitably expand, Las Vegas will be a clear frontrunner to receive a franchise. Vegas has been a recent hotspot for relocation and expansion, notably acquiring the Raiders and the Golden Knights.
Some people have been vehemently opposed about James possibly owning an NBA team. Many feel as though, given his track record of poor leadership, he would not make a good fit for an owner.
If the NBA did choose to expand to Las Vegas, James would clearly jump at the opportunity to own the team. He obviously has the money for an investment such as this, recently becoming a billionaire in June. If James were to own the team, it would have to be after he has already retired. The NBA currently has a rule in place that does not allow players to own teams.
Regardless of how people feel about James and the job he may do as an owner, it is inevitable that James will own a team one day. Given the illustrious career LeBron has had, the NBA would obviously be open to him owning a team. With the hype surrounding Las Vegas as a burgeoning sports city and the four-time NBA champion’s continued desire for a team there, a LeBron James-owned expansion franchise may be in the near future.
