Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is no longer interested in being part of an ownership group for a potential NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas.
James previously said he wanted to be part of the Las Vegas NBA team.
“No, I’m not,” James said, via ESPN. “Not at all.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday that industry executives expect proposals in the $7 billion to $10 billion range for each expansion NBA franchise.
Fenway Sports Group, James’ business partner since 2011 and owner of both the Boston Red Sox and the English Premier League soccer giant Liverpool, is not interested in pursuing the likely expansion opportunity in Las Vegas, per The Athletic.
James, 41, is worth $1.4 billion, according to Forbes. However, his personal worth is not nearly high enough to cover the expansion fee. He was always going to need to join a team of investors to make his bid a reality.
The NBA’s all-time leader in points and field goals, James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP. The sports legend is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.
If James doesn’t retire from the NBA this offseason, he will likely re-sign with the Lakers or return to the Cavaliers for his third stint. James is the oldest active player in the NBA. He turns 42 in December.
James has been with the Lakers since 2018. He becomes a free agent this offseason.
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