LeBron James' pursuit of ownership of an NBA franchise is not a far-fetched dream, and others like Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson are hoping he can make that opportunity come true one day.
Johnson, who purchased part ownership in the Los Angeles Dodgers a few years ago, knows what it takes to make a bid for a franchise and has been encouraged by Michael Jordan trailblazing his way from an iconic player to a team owner:
“Having Michael in Charlotte is great and it’s special, but we need more,” Johnson told Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “LeBron would be outstanding as the second player to be an owner in our league. We need more African-Americans, for sure, and LeBron would just be fantastic to become the next owner — after he leads the Lakers to an NBA championship, of course.”
The Hall of Fame dime wizard admitted that owning a team is no easy task, as one has to have more than just the capital to complete the sale, but a vision as to how to run a team and propel it into a contender:
“It takes a special situation, a special player, to become an owner,” Magic said. “Not only do you have to make a lot of money, which LeBron checks that box, but you have to be very intelligent. He checks that box. Personality-wise, you need to have respect, not only of the players and the owners and (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver, and you need charisma. LeBron has all those boxes checked. You also have to understand what it takes. You have to have a game plan and a strategy for how you’re going to do it (become an owner).”
Jordan proved as maniacally competitive as any player to set foot on the NBA hardwood, but his Charlotte Hornets haven't been nearly as successful as the Chicago Bulls were in his heyday. James might face the same struggle, but having the mettle to stay in the game is what separates a successful owner from one that soon has plans to sell himself.
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