Amid the rumors of LeBron James aiming for a new league, is his true dream of getting somewhere crushed? Fans of the 4x NBA champ would’ve heard by now the reports that Bron’s longtime business partner, Maverick Carter has been hired as an advisor by a group of investors seeking to raise $5 billion to form an international basketball league.

Word on the street is that the league could very well be a rival to the NBA. Although sources close to Front Office Sports claimed that Bron has no involvement in it, the rumors might be enough to hurt his NBA league ownership ambitions. This, however, is not the only concerning issue that persists.

As per Stephen A. Smith, on his show, there is also a likeability factor that might not sit well with James’ chances. If you’re wondering how the biggest active NBA star has such an issue, it’s not about the fans. Smith was referring to existing NBA owners, whose influence he detailed in his show’s recent episode. Yet another big question is if all these aforementioned factors working against James are a blessing in disguise for Shaquille O’Neal. Yet another NBA legend who aspires to own the team in Vegas. Let’s hear Smith’s opinion first.

Stephen A. Smith analyzes issues that LeBron James could face during NBA expansion

Smith recently broke down the potential hurdles LeBron could encounter, and his analysis sheds light on why this dream may be trickier than it appears. First, let’s talk money. A reported $7 billion is needed to own the Vegas team and construct a new stadium. While that figure might make most people break into a sweat, LeBron’s $1.2 billion net worth likely means finances won’t be a problem for him in terms of getting equity. But as Smith pointed out, money isn’t the only issue at play.

The NBA’s board of governors—comprising other team owners—and the commissioner’s office hold significant sway in deciding who gets the ownership nod. “And I’m here to tell you right now, everybody don’t want that for LeBron James,” Smith said.

It’s no secret that LeBron James’ illustrious career hasn’t been without controversy. Remember when he announced his move from Cleveland to Miami in The Decision broadcast? Even the Cavs’ owner was blindsided, learning about it alongside the rest of the world. Actions like these have left an impression, and some owners might view him as someone who puts personal moves above the league’s collective interests.

Smith didn’t stop there. He called out Bron’s absence from events like the Slam Dunk Contest, which was once a stage for legends like Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Vince Carter. According to Smith, the King’s decision not to participate hurt the contest’s appeal. He also criticized the effort—or lack thereof—seen in All-Star games.

Last season’s game, for example, was more of a casual shootaround, with the combined score nearing 400 points. “What’s inexcusable about it… is that when you are working out in the summertime, playing pickup basketball with your contemporaries, you play harder than these guys play on All-Star Weekend,” Smith said, highlighting that league management and owners are aware of this fact.

Being the big name he is, he has not done much for the league. At least that’s what owners might think according to Smith. And it won’t be a surprise in such circumstances that the league and existing owners also decide to not do much about LeBron James’ desire to own an NBA team.

And if they really wanted to, the rumors of Bron being associated with the new international league could also be used against him. “LeBron James has nothing to do with this, what Maverick Carter does. That’s bad enough for them. Because even though it’s not a threat, how dare you support anything that will compromise our bottom line? That’s how they’ll think,” Smith said, trying to capture the possibility of odds against Bron.

Stephen A., however, clarified he in no way blames James for anything. “I’m just telling you there are people in very powerful positions associated with the NBA who feel otherwise.” Smith’s suggestion for the King? To try and play nice with some people just to get things done so he can be the owner of an NBA team. The question that, however, remains is how do these issues benefit Shaquille O’Neal.

LeBron James’ desire to own a team in Vegas clashes with what Shaq wants for himself

“I would love to bring a team here at some point,” James had said at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Shaquille O’Neal, meanwhile, seemed to want it all for himself. “I would like to have my own group… Don’t want to partner up with nobody. I want it all for myself,” O’Neal once told the Messenger regarding his desire to own a team in Vegas.

While Shaq is open to being part of an ownership group, his words seem to draw a line—no sharing the spotlight with another NBA star. Can you picture Shaq running his team solo? Knowing his larger-than-life persona, it’s easy to see why he’d want full control.

And then there’s Mark Cuban, the wildcard in this equation. Having already sold his majority shares of the Dallas Mavericks, Cuban hinted at a comeback in NBA ownership. On The Big Podcast, he even floated the idea of joining forces with Shaq and LeBron.

“We get me, you [Shaq], LeBron… Go to HBO. We get them to do a behind-the-scenes show and put up a chunk of the money. Or we go to Disney since they’re an NBA partner. And we get them to put up a ton of the money for it. We might have something there. Viva Las Vegas…or Seattle,” Cuban suggested on Shaq’s The Big Podcast. His collaborative vision, however,  stands in stark contrast to Shaq’s solo ambitions.

It’s clear that Cuban has no issues in making O’Neal a part of his ownership group if there was to be one. And as for Shaq’s desire to not want any other star getting involved, if Stephen A. Smith’s concerns for LeBron James turn out to be right, things might very well work in his O’Neal’s favor.