NBA commissioner Adam Silver teases Billionaire LeBron James’ ‘Ultimate Dream’ of owning Las Vegas team 

LeBron James wants to own an NBA team upon retirement from the league.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver teases Billionaire LeBron James’ ‘Ultimate Dream’ of owning Las Vegas team 

Adam Silver and LeBron James (Credits: Bleacher Report)

LeBron James expressed his desire to own an NBA franchise openly, revealing this aspiration to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during a post-game news conference in 2022 after the Lakers’ loss to the Phoenix Suns. Specifically, he conveyed his interest in owning a team in Vegas.

Following the Lakers’ triumph over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA In-Season tournament final, the NBA commissioner playfully teased LeBron James during the trophy presentation. Ironically, this occurred in the very city where James had expressed his ownership aspirations.

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Adam Silver said:

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The last trophy, the MVP Cup for outstanding play throughout the entire tournament, to a man who quite frankly, there’s nothing else to win in this league. The only thing I can say is, I’m sorry but it doesn’t come with a franchise.
Adam Silver during the trophy presentation

Amidst his teammates’ well-deserved celebration of victory, LeBron James laughed heartily. He concluded the game with an impressive performance, tallying 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Shaquille O’Neal interested in a partnership with LeBron James to bring a franchise to Vegas.

Long harboring the ambition for a franchise team in Vegas, James found the NBA commissioner joking about it during the trophy presentation at the NBA In-Season tournament. Notably, James’ desire has sparked significant interest from various investors, with Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal among those showing keen interest.

LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal
LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal (via ESPN)

In a conversation with Arash Markazi of The Messenger, O’Neal said:

If there’s ever an NBA team that’s going to come here, I would definitely like to be involved. With LeBron, without LeBron, I just want to be involved.
Shaquille O’Neal in conversation with Arash Markazi

In attendance to witness James and the Lakers secure their place as the inaugural winners of the NBA In-Season tournament, Shaquille O’Neal witnessed history unfold. With both James and O’Neal possessing star power, charisma, and business acumen, they stand well-equipped to lead a franchise team. James has already ventured into ownership with minority stakes in the English football team Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox.

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