LeBron James to NBA commissioner: I want a team in Las Vegas
LeBron James to NBA commissioner: I want a team in Las Vegas: LeBron James saved his greatest play for the postgame news conference after scoring 23 points in 17 minutes in the Lakers’ 119-115 preseason loss to the Suns.
James took the opportunity of a question regarding the NBA’s exhibition game in Las Vegas. It is to make a personal appeal to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, indicating that he would like to be the first in line to buy a team in Sin City if the NBA were ever to expand there.
Someday, I hope to be able to bring a team here. That’s a fantastic idea.
James referred to Silver’s presence in Abu Dhabi by noting that he is likely in the United Arab Emirates for a preseason game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks. But I imagine he reads every transcript and interview with NBA players.
Statements
And I need everyone on the team to be right here, Adam. “Thank you”
While this isn’t James’ first public announcement of his desire to acquire a Las Vegas franchise, it is the most explicit thus far.
James originally discussed his plan on an episode of his YouTube series “The Shop: Uninterrupted” back in June.
James, who has stakes in the Liverpool Football Club and the Boston Red Sox, has stated his desire also to own a franchise in Las Vegas. Put the squad in Las Vegas, please.
During his annual NBA Finals news conference, Silver was asked about the possibility of expanding the league beyond its current 30 teams. He responded by saying that no such plans are currently in the works.
That’s not something we’re talking about right now,” Silver remarked. As I’ve indicated before, expansion of this league is inevitable; but, that topic is not currently under discussion.
When pressed further about Seattle and Las Vegas, though, Silver gave his approval to both cities as possible expansion hubs.
The markets are fantastic, Silver remarked. We were in Seattle. It’s too bad we had to leave. In a nearly new arena, Seattle’s WNBA club is thriving. And Las Vegas, where our summer league will be held in July, is also a fantastic sports market.
This week, a preseason game took place in Seattle between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Remarks
James replied, with a wink, “Las Vegas has the best fan following in the world,” knowing full well that his boast would cause a stir.
As he enters his 20th season in the NBA, James, 37, would have to be done playing before he could own a franchise. Despite having a Forbes-estimated net worth of more than $1 billion, he would need to form an ownership group in order to buy a franchise.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, the most recent franchise in the NBA to be up for sale, were purchased for $1.5 billion in 2021. In 2019, the Brooklyn Nets set an NBA record when were sold for $2.35 billion.
According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, the Suns are expected to set a new record as current owner Robert Sarver fields offers after agreeing to part with the franchise following the league’s suspension of him for a year and fine of $10 million following a nearly year-long investigation into his workplace conduct.
James has a deal with the Lakers that keeps him there through the 2024–25 season.
“I think it’s a terrific city, the natural organic energy that’s here built into the city, it goes hand in hand with the quality of sports that have been deemed to be placed here,” said Lakers coach Darvin Ham of Las Vegas.
An obvious choice. later on. I don’t want to speak for the league or the commissioner, but I foresee the day when Las Vegas is home to an NBA franchise.