LeBron James has ruled out any involvement in a potential ownership group for an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas, dashing long-standing speculation about his post-playing career plans in the market.
LeBron clarifies plans to Las Vegas ownership after Lakers' stunning win
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar made a clear statement following his team's 124-116 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, where he contributed 30 points. The NBA legend, as per a report in ESPN, said:
"No, I'm not.”
The Lakers superstar added:
"Not at all."
This comes as the NBA prepares for a key board of governors vote next week on advancing the expansion process for new teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, with projected franchise fees reaching as high as $8 billion.
James, who had publicly expressed a strong interest in owning a Las Vegas team as far back as 2022, including a direct appeal to Commissioner Adam Silver during an appearance on his show "The Shop," had been linked to a bid through his longtime business partner, Fenway Sports Group.
The 41-year-old, now in his 23rd NBA season and focused on competing with the Lakers, emphasized that he has no intention of joining the expansion bidding process at this time. Meanwhile, James is currently focused on the Lakers powering it to its seventh consecutive victory. They are now 3rd in the Western Conference, ahead of the NBA Playoffs in mid-April.
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