NBA Sees LeBron James as Competition Over European Expansion, Reveals Insider

NBA legend LeBron James is involved in matters concerning the creation of a all new European basketball league in relation to Saudi Arabia.

NBA Sees LeBron James as Competition Over European Expansion, Reveals Insider

LeBron James (Image by FirstSportz)

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LeBron James has played for 22 years in the NBA consecutively. Now he will be entering his 23rd year with the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming 2025-26 season in the NBA. But that’s not all. Despite being a loyal servant and player in one of the most-watched organizations, James seems to have been planning something behind the scenes that might hamper the NBA in the long run.

Over this offseason, James has been making the headlines for various reasons. From enjoying his time with his family, to playing golf, to being surrounded by various trade rumors with multiple NBA teams interested in him. However, this recent news has shaken the NBA world in general.

According to the Sports Business Journal, there is concern that James would quit the NBA to launch a basketball league with financial support from Saudi Arabia. James’ decision to leave the NBA and join a Saudi league in order to earn record-breaking money would be one of the most significant tales in sports history.

I’ll tell you, you may think I’m crazy, but I think the catalyst of this [NBA Europe] going quicker is they’re worried LeBron and Maverick are going to get the Saudis and start like a league. I think without a question, they [the NBA] think it’s direct competition.

An NBA exec told SBJ

According to sources, the NBA seems to be fully committed to NBA Europe since it thinks EuroLeague teams have unrealized commercial potential and are not being operated as upscale enterprises. The planned franchise valuations are exorbitant because it is hoped that arenas will be constructed or remodeled to offer premium seating.

In the latter years of his career, one of the best soccer players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, decided to play for unimaginable money in Saudi Arabia instead of staying in Europe. If he truly wanted to, James, 40, could undoubtedly play basketball for many more years.

Nikola Jokic’s agent and LeBron James’ agent meet amidst global basketball league rumors

According to a number of sources, the business partner of Lebron James and agent of Nikola Jokic recently had a crucial meeting. Now, if someone were to hear this news, they would have to assume it had to do with the two of them potentially joining the Lakers or Nuggets shortly. That isn’t the case here, though. The two agents got together to talk about something more significant off the court.

This had to do with Maverick Carter, James’ business partner, who is trying to organize a global basketball league. Since Misko Raznatovic, Jokic’s agent, is well-known throughout the world of basketball, Carter is trying to raise about $5 billion to launch a global basketball league.

Among the interested investors are the governments of Singapore and Riyadh, as well as the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which established LIV Golf, purchased Newcastle United of the English Premier League, and collaborated with the ATP and WTA tennis circuits.

Rich Paul makes a stunning revelation regarding LeBron James’ trade rumors

For months, LeBron James has been on and off the trade market regarding his future with the Lakers this year. At times, it seems as if James is opting out of Los Angeles Lakers, whereas some reports state that James is likely to stay here for at least this season. To make matters clear, James’ agent, Rich Paul, spoke with clear sense and made a stunning revelation regarding his trade rumors circulating recently.

The man has a no-trade clause. End of story. He has a no-trade clause. It’s up to him. He has a no-trade clause. So in the event when a player has a no-trade clause and a team wants to trade that player, that player can say no. That’s in his contract.

Rich Paul said on the TylilShow Live
LeBron James
LeBron James (Credits: MARCA)

James is one of just two NBA players with a no-trade clause (the other is Damian Lillard). James can still be traded, but only with the ‘King’s’ consent, which grants him the authority to veto any deals involving him.

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