Shaquille O’Neal confirms intention to BATTLE LeBron James in quest to own Las Vegas NBA team

Shaquille O'Neal declares his intent to compete with LeBron James for ownership of a new NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.

Shaquille O’Neal confirms intention to BATTLE LeBron James in quest to own Las Vegas NBA team

Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James (Marca.com)

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has thrown his hat into the ring to secure an NBA expansion team for Las Vegas, rivaling LeBron James in the race for the ownership. Repeatedly over the past year, James has voiced his intention to become part of an ownership group that aims to establish an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas once he retires from the NBA.

Shaq made his aim clear at his annual charity gala in the city, expressing his desire to establish an ownership group single-handedly, distinguishing himself from other potential partners.

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Speaking with ‘The Messenger’ at ‘The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation’’s annual charity gala in Vegas, Shaq stated, “I’ve been living in Las Vegas for over 20 years, I love it here. Las Vegas has always been a city you knew was going to grow. You could see different casinos, different real estate projects and different night clubs popping up. I’ve always been a part of it. I used to own one of the hottest night clubs, sold it and now I got 9-10 restaurants here. I’m doing very, very well and I want to continue to grow with Vegas.”

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The 51-year-old former NBA champion and regarded as the most dominant big man in NBA history, having divested his ownership in the Sacramento Kings recently, demonstrated his enduring love for Las Vegas, where he has lived for more than two decades. With the NBA contemplating expansion opportunities after the 2025 media rights deals, Las Vegas and Seattle are poised as frontrunners.

Despite the exorbitant costs, highlighted by the recent $4 billion Phoenix Suns sale, Shaq, with an estimated net worth of around $400 million, remains resolute in his pursuit to establishing an NBA expansion team in Vegas.

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Shaquille O’Neal Envisions Star-Studded Team USA for 2024 Olympics with LeBron James and Steph Curry

Shaquille O’Neal has advocated for a powerhouse Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with LeBron James and Steph Curry leading the team as anchors. Shaq’s advocacy follows Team USA’s lackluster performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, culminating in a disappointing fourth-place finish after embarrassing losses to Germany and Canada.

Expressing his views and words on his own Instagram, Shaq focussed on the need for top-tier players like James and Curry to don the Red, White, and Blue in the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris.

LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal
LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal (Credits: ESPN)

Despite their extraordinary basketball talent, the American squad struggled against opponents who showed exceptional teamwork, highlighting the evolving global landscape of basketball.

Shaq, having won an Olympic gold medal and a FIBA World Cup title in his illustrious career, stressed the significance of melding star power with teamwork. Shaq’s call stands as a rallying cry, prompting a re-evaluation of Team USA’s approach and igniting hope for a resurgent, formidable team in the 2024 Olympics.

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