LeBron James loves him some Sin City.
After a 119-115 loss to the Suns in a preseason game in Las Vegas on Wednesday, the Lakers star used his press conference to reveal that he wants to own an NBA team in the city.
“It’s wonderful,” James told reporters about the endearing response from fans when he plays in Vegas. “It’s the best fanbase in the world and I would love to bring a team here at some point. That would be amazing.
“I know [NBA Commissioner] Adam [Silver] is in Abu Dhabi right now, I believe… but he probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players, so I want a team here, Adam. Thank you,” James said, smirking.
The NBA plans to negotiate new television/media and collective bargaining deals before seriously examining the adding of new teams, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN — who reported the possibilities of Las Vegas and Seattle as expansion candidates are real, but likely years away.
In a preview for the latest installment of Uninterrupted’s “The Shop,” James doubles down on his desire to one-day own an NBA team.
“I want to buy a team, for sure,” James says in the clip, posted Thursday. “I would much rather own a team before I talk… I want a team in Vegas.”
In June, James became the first active NBA player to become a billionaire, according to Forbes.
Silver, who has called Las Vegas “a great sports market,” has yet to address James’ comments.
The NBA already has ties to Las Vegas, as it holds its Summer League there.
