LeBron James still wants to be a part of the game when his playing career is over. The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar revealed on the “Open Run” podcast that his dream is to be an NBA owner.
“I feel like my brain, as far as the game of basketball, is unique,” James said.
“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.”
Buying a team won’t come cheap. Ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion in 2014. But as ESPN.com’s Dave McMenamin points out, it should be feasible for the business-savvy James.
Counting the extension he signed this summer, James will have earned more than $270 million in player salary in his career. He also inked a lifetime contract extension with Nike last year worth more than $1 billion, according to his business partner Maverick Carter. Also, his annual income from endorsements, Nike included, totaled north of $50 million, according to Forbes.
We’re getting ahead of ourselves, but who wouldn’t want to play for James? His playing career so far speaks for itself, and he’s also a very good recruiter.
It will be interesting to see if James has the same success as an owner as he did a player.