Is LeBron James following Michael Jordan with his potential post-retirement plans?
LeBron James was declared a billionaire recently. With his money and influence, his wish to become a team owner is closer to reality than a dream
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LeBron James' career is coming to an end. How soon that happens remains in the air, but no one defeats Father Time. He knows it, and that's why he's been preparing for life after playing pro. The King revealed what he wanted to do next.
'I Want a Team in Vegas'
If the Lakers' superstar wishes were to be granted, he wanted to own a team in Las Vegas. Buying an NBA franchise is closer to reality than a dream for him after being declared the first active NBA player to have a $1 billion net worth. If there's a player who could own an NBA team while he's still playing or post-retirement, it would be James who has the influence and money to pull it off. He revealed his plans in a teaser of an episode of The Shop.
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"I would much rather own a team before I talk. I wanna own a team in Vegas. Yeah, I want the team in Vegas."
There were rumors that the league would expand soon but not so fast, claimed Commissioner Adam Silver. Any talks of an expansion would have to wait; if it happens, it will be years later. But it's something that would most likely occur. So the question is more of a when than an if.
Following MJ's footsteps
James is still chasing Michael Jordan's ghost. LeBron wants to become the greatest ever, but if his time runs out before he could equal the MVPs or titles MJ won in his career, at least on the business side of things, the Lakers star has a shot at equalling or even surpassing the Bulls' legend.
Michael Jordan became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets in 2010 after buying it for $180 million. The team's value has now ballooned to $1.5 billion. And it could have been higher if the Hornets enjoyed relative success in the NBA. Just imagine the hoopla it would create if James gets to own his team while still being active in the league.
LeBron is a genius when it comes to investments. However, owning an NBA team may seem harder than it looks. Just ask Mike. It's interesting to see if The King could translate his success as a player to success as a team owner. This is one area in which Jordan failed and is still struggling. If LBJ pulls this off, he could finally have something over his idol.
