LEBRON James has doubled down on his desire to own an NBA franchise in Las Vegas.
Rumors of the league’s possible expansion into Sin City have been doing the rounds for years.
James, 38, first mentioned he wanted to be the one bringing an NBA team to Vegas in June 2022.
And more than 12 months later, the Los Angeles Lakers All-Star only appears to be more determined to make it happen.
On Monday, the Association’s best-ever scorer led the Purple and Gold to a 129-126 preseason win over the Brooklyn Nets on the Vegas-themed hardwood at T-Mobile Arena.
After the game, when asked about why he wants to run an NBA franchise in the Entertainment Capital of the World, the forward said that “it just makes sense.”
James continued: “Obviously you have the Raiders here, you have the [Golden Knights] here, you have the Aces here.
“You got F1 coming very soon. All-Star Weekend has been a few times.
“You’ve got the NBA Summer League that’s very popular. Sports is here.
“I think adding an NBA franchise here would just add to the momentum that’s going on in this town.”
After a brief pause, James concluded with a notable smile on his face: “I think it’s only a matter of time, and I hope I’m part of that time.”
The following day, the four-time NBA MVP made sure his remarks spread as far as they did in 2022 — when he made commissioner Adam Silver respond from Abu Dhabi.
James shared a clip of his answer on X and wrote: Viva Las Vegas!!!!”
The 19-time All-Star already is a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox, soccer powerhouses Liverpool and AC Milan, and NASCAR Cup Series stable RFK Racing.
Before Las Vegas hosts an NBA team, the city is likely to become home to an MLB franchise.
The Oakland Athletics are reportedly in the process of securing a move to Sin City.
The vote on the A’s relocation is expected to take place later this year.