LeBron James used his postgame press conference to express his interest in owning a potential NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.
The LA Lakers fell to the Phoenix Suns 119-115 in a preseason game on Wednesday night. Making headlines as usual was NBA veteran King LeBron James entering his 20th season. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard LeBron express his desire to own an NBA expansion team. James used the post-game press conference to talk to Adam Silver and let him know his thoughts directly.
LeBron tells Adam Silver he wants NBA Las Vegas expansion team (if/when)https://t.co/5zx0t9SJHP pic.twitter.com/J0jxC8Z7bO
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 6, 2022
He sees every interview and transcript from NBA players. So I need the team here, thanks Adam. -LeBron James referring to a possible Las Vegas expansion team
James is without a doubt one of the most influential athletes on the planet right now and people listen when he speaks. NBA expansion was definitely under discussion, but James wanted to make it public that he wanted to own a team. If the NBA decides to add Las Vegas as a new franchise, they will need to add one more to keep the same number of teams. News is swirling that Seattle could once again be the home of an NBA franchise.
Las Vegas has seen recent expansion teams such as the NHL’s Golden Knights and Raiders moving from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020. LeBron has always been, and still is, entering the league with Michael Jordan. Maybe James is trying to follow in MJ’s footsteps and become a franchise owner. Jordan purchased the Charlotte Hornets in 2010. Money is not James’s concern. James has a net worth of $1.2 billion, not even counting his NBA salary. He will make $45 million through the 2022-23 season.
He has expressed his desire to become a team owner, but James may stay a few more years. James has made it clear that he will be playing his final NBA season with his son Brony, who is currently a senior in high school. If Broney plays one year of college basketball, the two could see the court together in the 2024-25 season.
