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Los Angeles Lakers sophomore forward Kyle Kuzma has joined the string of players clamoring for an NBA team in Las Vegas. The young charismatic star just played in the city during a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors.
Kuzma on an NBA tm in Vegas: "I believe that it should happen. It's only a matter of time. A lot of great fans out here as you can see. Every time we come out here there's a lot of #Lakers fans of course. You've got #Aces, #GoldenKnights, #Raiders are coming. Why not an NBA tm?"
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 11, 2018
Las Vegas has been a home for many sports teams, such as the NHL's Golden Knights and WNBA's Aces. The Oakland Raiders will be moving there soon. College basketball is also prominent in the city as the UNLV Rebels and CSN Coyotes, both NCAA Division I teams, reside in the area.
In addition, the NBA holds the annual Summer League in Vegas, sparking even rumors that the City of Sin will have a professional men's basketball team sooner than later. MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren supports this argument, per Mick Akers of The Las Vegas Sun.
“I think it’s highly likely that a team, or multiple teams, will be looking to move over the next three years,” Murren said. “We know who they are, that’s why I think it’s highly likely. I would expect that Las Vegas will have an NBA team within the next five years, if not sooner. That team would likely play at T-Mobile (Arena).”
The addition of the Aces further adds fire to the fact that the NBA has been prioritizing the feasibility of the market in Las Vegas. Given the popularity of the city, the success it has had in the sports industry, and the recent move to legalize sports gambling across the country, don't be surprised to see an NBA team in Las Vegas in the near future, even if there are no current talks of expansion.
