NBA legend Magic Johnson has taken steps toward bringing a franchise to Las Vegas.
Johnson met last month with Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and other civic leaders in Southern Nevada to discuss launching a formal pursuit of an NBA expansion team, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The discussions also included the possibility of developing a new arena and hotel project on the Las Vegas Strip.
The NBA is expected to evaluate the next phase of expansion at league meetings scheduled for the end of March in New York. Commissioner Adam Silver is overseeing the process.
Johnson acknowledged there would be hurdles to clear before a team could land in Las Vegas, but expressed confidence in Silver’s leadership.
“The numbers have to be right, and the league owners would require a lot from the commissioner,” Johnson said. “But if anyone could do it, it’s him.”
Las Vegas has long been viewed as a leading candidate for future expansion, with the city already hosting NBA Summer League and other league events.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
