LeBron James is thinking about his plans for when his legendary playing career comes to an end. One idea involves him owning an NBA team.
LeBron James has already proven himself an all-time great on the basketball court, and he’s already thinking about what he’ll do when his playing days are over.
James was a guest on the “Open Run” podcast, and spoke about his dreams of owning an NBA team.
“I would love to continue to give my knowledge to the game. I would love to be a part of a franchise — if not at the top. … My dream is to actually own a team. I don’t need to [be] fully hands-on. If I’m fortunate enough to own a team, then I’ll going to hire the best GM and president that I can. But I feel like I got a good eye for not only talent, because we all see a lot of talent, but the things that make the talent. The chemistry, what type of guy he is, his work ethic, his passion, the basketball I.Q. side of things. Because talent only goes so far.”
The only former player who owns an NBA team is the great Michael Jordan.
James is certainly on track on for Michael Jordan’s level of wealth by the time his career is over. He was the first athlete in the history of Nike to sign a lifetime endorsement contract.
The deal is rumored to be valued at $1 billion. That’s billion with a b.
King James is certainly setting himself up to be a serious businessman when his playing days are over, much like MJ.
This wasn’t the first time that James had alluded to Jordan’s legacy as one he’d like to emulate.
In an article released in early August, James told Sports Illustrated’s Lee Jenkins that he was chasing Jordan’s ghost.
“My motivation,” James said, “is this ghost I’m chasing. The ghost played in Chicago.”