LeBron downplays ownership plans as Vegas expansion looms

LeBron James, Lakers, NBA, Warriors — Getty

eBron James has talked about ownership for years. Especially Las Vegas.

Now? Not so much. Asked about it Wednesday, James didn’t hesitate.

“No, I’m not. Not at all,” he said, via Khobi Price of the California Post.

That’s a shift. Vegas has long been viewed as a landing spot for an expansion team, but the price tag is massive. Estimates have the fee in the $7 to $10 billion range. That alone changes the equation.

It also helps explain the timing. Fenway Sports Group, which includes James as a partner, is not expected to pursue a Vegas franchise, largely due to cost.

So for now, ownership is off the table. Of course, that could change. Plans evolve. Timelines shift. But it’s not something James is focused on at the moment.

And honestly, why would he be? He’s still producing at a high level. In the Lakers’ latest win, he went for 30 points on 13-of-14 shooting.

Kevin Durant put it simply.

“I think he could play until he’s 45 years old,” Durant said of James (Twitter video link). “I don’t know if he wants to be around that long, but I think he could play for another four to five years, to be honest.”

So ownership can wait. LeBron’s still playing.