“I Can…but I Don’t Want To”: After Shaquille O’Neal Refuses Partnership, Lebron James Left Stranded by Close Friend Rich Paul in Vegas Dream

LeBron James is determined to go forward with his Vegas dream. He manages to bring attention to it whenever and wherever he can. Usually, calling on the NBA Commissioner to make it happen as well. Ever since Adam Silver suggested the mere possibility of the league expanding to Sin City, King James is like a little child who is promised candy. And Las Vegas is surely a sweet candy.

But he is not the only one who has his eyes set on the City that Never Sleeps. Shaquille O’Neal also mentioned his interest in Vegas. More interestingly, Michael Jordan also spoke about his interest in owning an NBA team in Las Vegas. That was in 2005. If anyone can own an NBA team, it will be James and Jordan. Yet his soul-brother seems to disagree with him on this matter.

Rich Paul is not on board with LeBron’s Vegas dream

Rich Paul and LeBron have a unique relationship between them. Their meeting in itself was the hand of fate, so it’s only natural their friendship is also different from others. If Rich hadn’t met James at that airport, he would still be a sales agent. Had LeBron not taken note of the seemingly ordinary young man with an extraordinary jersey, he wouldn’t have gotten one of the most powerful sports agents on his side.

It’s only fair to assume that the team negotiations handled by Rich Paul wouldn’t have such a high success rate if it were someone else. A decent chunk of King James’s financially smart choices are a courtesy of his long-time friend. But in the recent podcast episode of ‘The Town with Mathew Belloni’, Rich clarifies his stand on James’s Vegas fever.

“I can … but I don’t want to.”

Considering how thick the two are, this recent difference in opinion could be just that. Rich is a businessman with his own set of ideals, values and rules on how to run it. It’s the same with LeBron.

Read More: LeBron James Possibly Setting Up a New NBA Team in Vegas Gets an Honest Response from Close Friend Shaquille O’Neal

While Rich Paul wants to focus on his current company and better understand the sports ecosystem, James might be on the lookout for a challenge.

LeBron James is determined to pursue his goal

LeBron has done everything there’s to do in the NBA. Tried everything he ever wanted to. Probably the only thing left for him to try out is to visit the moon. It could also be the reason why he is so determined to own that team in Las Vegas when it’s going to be made official.

Yeah, just reiterating King James’s conviction that it will happen. Having a team in Las Vegas makes the most sense, according to the 4x NBA champion. Arash Markazi of The Messenger tweeted LeBron’s reason for wanting a team in that particular city.

It is true. They have been very receptive to sports teams and having an NBA team would seem like a naturally logical “next step” for the league. Though Shaquille O’Neal might not have the wherewithal to own a team, he still is in for a partnership. Just not with LeBron. But recently, Shaq also mentioned that he’d love to have it all for himself. How much of that is going to work out is a work in progress.

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But what are the odds Rich will be by his side when LeBron announces him as the GM of his future Vegas team?