LeBron James is nearing the end of his basketball career but is not planning to stay away from the sport. He has been on record voicing his desire to own an NBA franchise one day. With over $525 million in career earnings and numerous brand deals, Money certainly isn’t a problem for James. However, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith believes current NBA owners will prevent LeBron’s dreams from becoming a reality.
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Smith took to ESPN’s First Take to discuss the news of LeBron’s business manager, Maverick Carter’s involvement in a new $5 billion basketball league. And, he mulled LeBron’s future as an NBA owner.
“The first thing that jumped to my mind was one of two things, LeBron James recognizes he won’t ultimately become an owner of an NBA franchise or he wants the NBA to think about what he can do if they don’t acquiesce and ultimately let him become an owner of an NBA franchise down the line…,” said Stephen A.
“[LeBron] has been a beneficiary of the sacrifices of the Magic Johnsons, the Larry Birds, the Michael Jordans and others. And there are some who believe there is an absence of appreciation on his part in that regard which is why they would probably get in the way of him having an ownership stake,” he added.
LeBron isn’t just the face of the NBA, he is the face of what players represent. The four-time NBA champion has used his star power multiple times to emphasize player empowerment.
On the other hand, owners don’t necessarily like the extent to which the movement has grown. Players now have the power to dictate their future. Some examples include Ben Simmons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Jimmy Butler with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and James Harden with the Sixers.
James’ signing with the Miami Heat, and how he documented it on the special series, The Decision, may have set some precedent too. Smith believes these actions may turn owners off from doing business with LeBron. Furthermore, he thinks the King may be aware of this reality and is trying to get ahead of the curve.
LeBron’s potential next business endeavor
Smith hypothesized that LeBron is aware that owning an NBA team is out of his control. Therefore, he could try to have his say through the potential involvement in the genesis of a new basketball league to rival the NBA.
James’ name isn’t attached to the new international basketball league that is in the works. Carter is involved. And he holds close ties to LeBron, which could be the 20-time All-Star’s entry point into the venture.
Additionally, it could be a chess move for LeBron to gain leverage, showcasing that he can jeopardize the revenue of the NBA with his startup league.
