Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James wants to own an NBA franchise and he wants it to be in Las Vegas – and league commissioner Adam Silver appears receptive to the star’s pleas
NBA icon LeBron James’ dreams of owning a professional basketball team in Las Vegas have been welcomed by commissioner Adam Silver – but he warned expansion will not happen in the foreseeable future.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar James has been vocal about his hopes to own an NBA franchise as he eyes following in the footsteps of other legends who have transitioned into a management role after retiring. Michael Jordan – who won six championships with the Chicago Bulls – is the chairman of the Charlotte Hornets after taking majority control of the team in 2010.
David Robinson and Grant Hill own stakes in the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks respectively, while James’ close friend Dwyane Wade purchased an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, Shaquille O’Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022.
Earlier this month, James made his hopes of owning an NBA franchise very clear by publicly declaring his intentions. He pleaded with NBA commissioner Silver to let him bring a team to Las Vegas, following in the footsteps of the iconic NFL franchise, the Raiders.