LeBron James’ Next Chapter: From NBA Superstar to NBA Franchise Owner
In a career spanning nearly 21 seasons, LeBron James has left a huge mark on the NBA, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever step on the court. With numerous achievements, including the career-scoring crown, four NBA championships, and physical dominance since his debut at the age of 18, there’s no denying LeBron’s status as a basketball legend.
As fans eagerly anticipate at least two more seasons of LeBron’s brilliance on the court, the question remains, what comes after his playing days are over?
What will Lebron do after his playing days?
One of the options LeBron has openly hinted at is taking on an ownership stake in an NBA team, completing the circle of his illustrious career. A move like this would be no surprise for someone who has been a prominent figure in the league since his entry in 2003.
NBA legend says he heard LeBron James will be owner of Las Vegas expansion team: https://t.co/AcjdrGgEXu
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 25, 2023
What success do former players have as team owners?
Recent developments in the NBA have shown that former players can find success as team owners. Just days ago, Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan made headlines when he sold his majority ownership in the Charlotte Hornets for an astonishing $3 billion, proving that such ventures can be incredibly lucrative.
For LeBron, finances won’t be an obstacle in his pursuit of team ownership. With a reported net worth exceeding $1 billion and on-court earnings of over $530 million expected to accumulate by the end of his current contract in two seasons, LeBron James is set to dive into the world of ownership without hesitation.
The NBA Board of Governors has approved Michael Jordan's decision to sell his majority stake with the Hornets. #SportsNews #sports #NBA #Basketball #Hornets #MichaelJordan pic.twitter.com/0re0HhdMAE
— Sports World News (@SportsWN) July 27, 2023
The support for LeBron’s’ future team
The idea of LeBron owning an NBA team has gained support from prominent figures within the basketball community. NBA legend Tracy McGrady recently hinted that James could be eyeing ownership of an expansion team after he hangs up his jersey for the last time.
One city that has long been swirling with expansion rumors is Las Vegas. With its track record of successfully hosting multiple professional sports teams and having been home to the NBA Summer League since 2004, Las Vegas seems like a natural candidate for establishing a permanent NBA franchise.
“I've heard that for the last three years, that it was gonna be an expansion team out here in Las Vegas. I heard that LeBron James is going to be the owner of that. It's his team. I heard it through league channels."
– Tracy McGrady on an expansion team
(via @GQSports) pic.twitter.com/b4yY5nWGmf
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) July 25, 2023
In the end…
However, the prospect of an NBA team in Las Vegas is not yet set in stone, and the league’s decision will undoubtedly be a matter of careful consideration. But one thing is clear, one of the NBA’s greatest players, LeBron James, could be watching it all unfold from the team owner’s suite.
LeBron’s journey from a young, promising player to an accomplished superstar and potentially a franchise owner showcases not only his basketball progress but also his vision for a lasting impact on the sport he loves. As his playing days inch closer to their conclusion, the anticipation of what LeBron’s next chapter holds continues to grow.