Newly-minted billionaire LeBron James wants to own NBA team in Las Vegas

Newly-minted billionaire LeBron James has revealed his post-playing career plan to again rival Michael Jordan.

LeBron James has signalled his intent to own an NBA team in Las Vegas. Pictures: Getty

LeBron James has moved to position himself as the owner of an NBA franchise in Las Vegas.

After it was revealed last week the Los Angeles Lakers star had created history by becoming the first billionaire active player, James, 37, has outlined how he wants to invest his money.

In a promo clip posted to social media from his show The Shop, James told his longtime business partner Maverick Carter: “Yeah I wanna buy a team, for sure.”

The NBA currently has 30 teams but there are rumoured plans to expand to 32 with Vegas and Seattle — which was part of the league from 1967 to 2008 — earmarked as the expansion cities.

LeBron James and his wife Savannah. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)

After the NFL moved the Raiders to Las Vegas in early 2020, James sees himself heading up the NBA’s takeover of Sin City — even if it means having less of a voice in basketball.

“Buying a team and then talking is a little tricky,” Carter suggested.

“I would much rather own a team before I talk,” James replied. “I want a team in Vegas. Yeah. I want the team in Vegas.”

Speaking It Into Existence! https://t.co/ARRiTp43cx

— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 9, 2022

James will begin his 19th NBA season later this year and has spoken of plans to continue playing until his eldest son, Bronny, enters the league.

Transitioning into ownership would see him follow the same path as the man he’s pursued for most of his career — Michael Jordan.

NBA fans will debate who of Jordan and James is the league’s greatest ever player until their dying days but having the Lakers star take over a team would open a new chapter in the so-called rivalry.

Jordan has underwhelmed since taking the reins of the Charlotte Hornets in 2010, failing to win a single playoff series.

Originally published as Newly-minted billionaire LeBron James wants to own NBA team in Las Vegas