The possibility of the NBA expanding to Las Vegas has grabbed the attention of basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James. Initially, O’Neal expressed a solo venture in ownership but has since changed tune, now open to partnering with LeBron to bring an NBA team to Sin City. O’Neal, currently in Las Vegas for the Grand Prix, shared his eagerness, stating, “If there’s ever an NBA team that’s going to come here, I would definitely like to be involved. With LeBron, without LeBron, I just want to be involved.”
While rumors circulate about the Oakland Athletics moving to Las Vegas in baseball, O’Neal made it clear that basketball is where his passion lies. Dismissing the idea of becoming a minority owner in baseball, he emphasized his desire to influence decisions in a basketball organization: “Not baseball. Football maybe, basketball definitely but not baseball. I want to be involved… I would like to be in on the decision-making process.”
Despite O’Neal’s past stint as a minority owner with the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022, the team struggled to reach the playoffs during that period. However, the experience provided a foundation for the Kings’ recent success.
LeBron James, an advocate for Las Vegas ownership, has expressed a longstanding desire to own an NBA team in the city. While James could potentially be a majority owner given his billionaire status, the question remains whether he and O’Neal will join forces in the ownership group.
As LeBron continues to excel on the court, his aspirations for basketball ownership post-retirement seem promising. Whether as a player or owner, it appears LeBron’s journey in the league is poised to continue, making waves in the world of sports.
