J. R. Smith Says LeBron James Is “Definitely Looking” at NBA Ownership as Expansion Forms Shape

After 23 years of greatness, the NBA community might just be on the verge of seeing a league without LeBron James as an active player. There are rumors surrounding a potential retirement as early as this summer, and if James does go through with it, it would officially mark the end of an era. But his former teammate J.R. Smith feels that fans could be witnessing the beginning of a new era at the same time.

Smith doesn't believe that James will step away from basketball completely once he retires. In a recent interview on 'Run It Back,' he explained how the King could likely take on an ownership role in the league.

"I mean, selfishly for me, I think he has to do something in the game," the former NBA champion said. "He's too large and too important to the game of basketball to where he just fades to black. I think he's definitely looking in the ownership role."

"I think his mind is so brilliant that it goes to building a team ... I think he has the mind to really do that and figure out how to create an ecosystem of winning and positivity as far as an organization."

James has previously expressed interest in owning a stake in an NBA team. He even eyed Las Vegas as his preferred city, with the league considering expansion in the coming years and Sin City expected to be one of the destinations awarded a franchise. In 2022, James even said on his talk show, The Shop, "I want a team in Vegas... "

But it's expensive to own a team, and that's an understatement. Recent reports from March indicate that James has moved on from the idea of owning a team outright. Expansion fees are reportedly expected to range from $7 billion to $10 billion per franchise, a price tag that appears to be beyond what James is willing to invest.

James is part of Fenway Sports Group, the consortium that owns Premier League club Liverpool. Reports have stated that the group is unlikely to pursue a Las Vegas expansion franchise because of the prospective cost.

In an interview following a Rockets game earlier this season, when James was asked about the interest in owning an NBA team, he replied, "No, I'm not. Not at all."

That said, the idea cannot be ruled out completely. Smith may know something the public doesn't, as his friendship with James goes back long before they even entered the NBA. So perhaps, in the short term, especially when it comes to Las Vegas, James may be uninterested in becoming an owner. But he could revisit the idea in a few years with a change of heart and perhaps a different team in his sights.

LeBron James' Parting From LA Could Be Set in Stone

Before LeBron James went on vacation with his family, the King made sure to notify everyone about his intentions this summer. While there are rumors that are linking him to retirement, James made it seem like he's open to suiting up for year 24.

However, at this stage in his career, James is looking to play for a contending team that has the resources to offer him the money he feels he deserves. Reports suggest that LeBron isn't willing to take a veteran minimum deal.

"Because you want to be excited about going to work every day," he said on Mind the Game. "You want to be excited about, you know, like I said earlier, winning the day. And being around a group of guys that feel the same way, and trying not to take steps backward."

James has been a Laker since 2018, and the team has won one championship during his tenure, capturing the title in 2020 inside the NBA's COVID bubble. But since then, they haven't really looked championship-ready. Signing Luka Doncic in February 2025 was supposed to change that, but the Slovenian got injured before the playoffs, and the Lakers bowed out after being swept 4-0 by OKC in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Still, both parties have reportedly expressed interest in continuing their partnership next season. But given James' salary demands, bringing him back may prove difficult.

The Lakers' main priority now is to build a team around Luka Doncic. One of the key factors in building an efficient team around Doncic is keeping Austin Reaves around. Multiple sources reported that Reaves could be expecting a five-year contract worth approximately $200 million. If this deal comes to fruition, the Lakers wouldn't have enough salary to pay James.

Having that in mind, the likelihood of James returning to LA, at least for now, is low. Many are now speculating that the King might make his big return to his hometown in Cleveland and play for the Cavaliers one more time before calling it quits.

For now, all we can do is wait for the King's decision. James mentioned that he intends to make a decision regarding his career by late June or early July.