
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 3, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 3, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA world was brimming with excitement when it was announced that LeBron James and JJ Reddick would sit in one room and talk basketball. Two mindful individuals who break down the game excellently shared their first episode today. Likewise, their conversations didn’t disappoint. Amongst the many arrays was the King extensively speaking of his dream to one day own an NBA franchise.
James has done everything when it comes to being an NBA icon. He has the records, a lavish collection of accolades, and the acknowledgment from his peers. Yet for the longest time he has announced his chase for one wild goal – to own an NBA franchise. Many greats have transitioned this way. Michael Jordan with the Hornets and Magic Johnson with the Dodgers are just some of the examples.
When speaking with JJ Reddick about the NBA, he delved into the kind of people he would want to work in his organization and what qualities he wouldn’t mind splashing his billion dollars on.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LeBron James wants careful observers on his NBA franchise
The much anticipated first episode of Mind the Game was out for the basketball aficionados to enjoy. Reddick and James spoke about the modern NBA while sipping on some of their favorite red wine. Their conversation turned to the direction of the coaches. The duo spoke about the importance of the influence the right people can have in molding young basketball players to prepare for the NBA.
“There’s a lot of bullshit that gets taught in our league,” said James. The record-breaking 20-time All-Star believes this is because the NBA rides solely on the potential of a newcomer rather than carefully analyzing their cohesion within the team. That could be one of many reasons why many of the recent lottery picks have been unsuccessful or even labeled as busts. It didn’t take him by surprise that lower draft picks are the ones who flourish in the NBA today. It prompted Reddick to say something riveting.
“Why is it the same teams that always draft well,” said the former Sixer. They both immediately broke into laughter. The thought gave rise to James speaking openly about his objective of owning an NBA team. It was for the first time in a long that the Lakers forward had indulged in such a conversation. James disclosed how he wants individuals who thrive in the draft process to be a part of his entourage.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I tell you what, when I get my team, the team that draft well, those guys will be working for me for sure”. LeBron James doesn’t mind spending a lot of money on them either. He specifically mentioned the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s staff when it comes to brilliant draft picking. Their history proves it too. Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. These are three MVPs of the league. At one point the Thunder has them assembled together.
In today’s OKC, the side that holds the top seed in the West drafted both of the J-Williams in the 2022 draft. Either of them are picks outside the top 10. Such success doesn’t simply come with fortune. It’s the result of careful studying and understanding the team demographics to find the most suitable talents around the star player, in this case, it being Shai-Gilegous Alexander.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
No wonder LeBron James would want such a team leading the development of his franchise. James himself is a brainy basketball player who looks to understand the finer nuances of every play. That’s why he dominated for two decades. It is also the reason he knows what it takes to win. Do you think LeBron James will become a successful owner in the NBA one day? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT