When news broke earlier this week that LeBron James’s business partner Maverick Carter was advising a group of investors on an international basketball league aimed at competing with the NBA, many assumed King James would be involved. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case, according to reporting by John Ourand of Puck. Nevertheless, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith speculates that Carter still has LeBron’s best interests at heart, primarily focusing on LeBron’s ambition to become an NBA team owner.
“[LeBron James] wants the NBA to think about what he can do if they don’t acquiesce and ultimately let him become the owner of an NBA franchise.” 😳 @stephenasmith on Maverick Carter advising a new international basketball league that could be a “rival to the NBA”. 👀 pic.twitter.com/NKZF0GksTM
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 17, 2025
On First Take, Smith suggested that LeBron is aware of the challenges he faces in becoming an NBA franchise owner. He emphasized that James has achieved remarkable success, but the current NBA culture and his influence over the player empowerment movement may have alienated some owners. “Has he been the marquee? Sure. Has he answered the call as the marquee? Fine. He’s got four championships, four league MVPs… But consider the hits NBA players take and the effort displayed during All-Star weekend,” Smith noted, explaining how such dynamics could frustrate owners and hinder LeBron’s ownership aspirations.
If Smith’s analysis holds true, it makes sense that LeBron would engage in a venture that threatens the league to leverage his position—potentially through Maverick Carter, to minimize backlash. Conversely, this could merely be an exploratory endeavor by Carter, separate from LeBron’s involvement. As LeBron approaches the end of his playing career, the situation may clarify, with the international league serving as a strategic tool should he seek influence in his post-playing future.
