With his playing career entering year 22, LeBron James is nearing retirement. Having son Bronny James on the Los Angeles Lakers suggests he has ticked off one from his wish list. He would definitely like to win another NBA title, something that would be historic if it happens alongside his son. However, life after his time on the court is what he is looking forward to.
His close friend Maverick Carter confirmed one of those goals. Carter was speaking on the Pat McAfee Show via video conference. When asked about James’ involvement in starting an NBA franchise in Las Vegas, Carter revealed there is some truth to the rumor.
LeBron is dead set on owning an NBA team but he’s still playing. I have no idea how much longer he’s gonna play.
Maverick Carter via The Pat McAfee Show
His friend and business manager openly talking about his interest in owning an NBA franchise suggests that Las Vegas might be in the books. The NBA, though, has to make the process transparent. It suggests that there will be more bidders for the Las Vegas franchise.
Even then, it should be a straightforward process if one of the greatest basketball players ever to dribble a ball wants to own the newest franchise. It avoids the narrative if James was to be a part owner of another franchise.
“LeBron is dead set on owning an NBA team but he’s still playing. I have no idea how much longer he’s gonna play.”
—Maverick Carter kept it real with @patmcafeeshow about Bron’s goals once he’s done playing 🏀 pic.twitter.com/szGxxPAw5w
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 29, 2024
The Boston Celtics drew the interest of the Fenway Sports Group, of which James is a part. But that would have been a PR disaster considering his time with archrivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. Owning a new franchise such as Las Vegas will give LeBron James a clean slate to start with.
LeBron James will delve into podcasts and shows after retirement
After the NBA franchise ownership discussion, one of Pat McAfee‘s panelists asked Maverick Carter if he and LeBron James would expand into podcasts and other sports shows. To this, Carter replied with a positive affirmation.
Yes absolutely. We’re gonna bring The Shop live, we’re doing a Thursday Night Football with Amazon. We are looking at expanding that into college football and the NBA. Whenever Lebron is done playing, he will do a lot more of that.
Maverick Carter via The Pat McAfee Show
It suggests that when LeBron James retires, he will expand his business portfolio and be an active part of everything. He is currently limited due to his contractual obligations with the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers. As such, James has been a part of a few episodes of his podcast, The Shop.
Most recently, it was right after the Paris Olympics. But he is away most of the time. From Carter’s words, it seems that the 4-time champion will be an active part of it once he retires. From all these revelations, it seems the kid from Akron has been planning his future for quite some time. He wants to build on the platform that he currently has and increase his current portfolio from just a billionaire.
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