Expansion Makes LeBron's Dream Come True? Four Years Ago He Said: Hoping to Own a Team in Las Vegas

Following years of expectation and conjecture, the NBA is finally poised to initiate its expansion plan after more than twenty years, with Seattle and Las Vegas expected to host two new NBA teams. The league is nearing a vote on the much-anticipated expansion. U.S. media indicates this update will be highly motivating for James.

If the bidding amounts meet the expected threshold (estimated at $70 billion to $100 billion per team), the league may hold a final vote later this year to officially expand to 32 teams. Both rounds of voting require approval from at least 23 of the 30 owners.

Back in 2022, this Lakers superstar publicly praised Las Vegas fans and directly urged Commissioner Adam Silver to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas. "Here are the world's best fans. I really hope to own a team here in the future. I know Adam might be in Abu Dhabi now, but he definitely watches every player interview. So, Adam, I want an NBA team here. Thank you."

Expansion has been discussed for years. Silver has expressed support for expanding the current 30-team structure in the future. In recent years, NBA team valuations have soared into the billions, marking the first serious consideration of expansion since the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) joined in 2004.

Seattle and Las Vegas have long been associated with NBA teams.

Seattle is a major city with a population, and fans are extremely eager to have a team. The city once had the legendary SuperSonics, which relocated to Oklahoma City before the 2008‑09 season and became the Thunder.

Las Vegas has become a sports hub in recent years: the NFL Raiders, WNBA Aces, NHL Golden Knights, and the soon-to-relocate MLB Athletics have all settled there.

Las Vegas has already hosted the Summer League, All-Star Game, and In-Season Tournament finals, making the acquisition of an NBA team a widely anticipated move.

James is not far from retirement, but perhaps he is also about to embark on a new role: NBA team owner.