Gilbert Arenas and LeBron James (Images Credit: Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James is in the twilight of his career and will enter his 22nd season in the NBA next month. The four-time NBA champion is the first active billionaire NBA player and has often hinted at becoming an NBA franchise owner. Sports analyst Gilbert Arenas recently discussed the potential of LeBron owning an NBA team.

Last week, ESPN answered an “NBA expansion FAQ,” reporting that Seattle and Las Vegas are the prime locations to have a new franchise. The report also claimed LeBron James’ long-standing interest in acquiring an NBA team.

ESPN wrote, “For the better part of a decade, James has been transparent about his desire to join Michael Jordan as an all-time great-turned-team governor and become a true shareholder in the NBA.”
LeBron James (Image Credits: Getty Images)
On Monday, Gilbert Arenas took to X and posted a clip from his podcast, “Gil’s Arena,” where he talked about when the NBA’s all-time scoring leader could own a franchise. “Obviously, we know he can’t play and own it. So, he’s gonna have to be done. [If] the team is gonna be built and be ready the summer of 2026, then that will be his last year, the 2025-26 season.”

LeBron James Will Be A Successful NBA Owner: Gilbert Arenas

In the clip shared on X, the former Washington Wizards guard claimed that LeBron James will be a “successful NBA owner.” Arenas named Las Vegas as the ideal location for the Lakers star to own a franchise. He said, “It’s going to be Vegas. His connections [are] there … he has a big network that he’s going to be in a bid for.”

The Lakers will begin their 2024-25 campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22, and LeBron James will equal the legendary Vince Carter as the player with the most NBA seasons played. After the Lakers signed Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft, LeBron and his firstborn could become the first father-son duo to play in the NBA together.