LeBron James Already Has Front Office Plans For Possible Franchise

20-time Los Angeles Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James often seems to know pro talent when he sees it. But would that qualify him to run a front office? It seems possible.

In the midst of his new Mind The Game podcast with former sharpshooting NBA swingman J.J. Redick, James hinted at how he plans to prioritize talent acquisition. James has long been linked to a potential new Las Vegas pro men’s basketball team (there is also chatter of, at some point, a Seattle branch). For now, the Las Vegas Aces are getting all the glory.

“I tell you, when I get my team, the teams that draft well, those guys will be working for me for sure,” James said. “OKC does an unbelievable job with that.” The Thunder’s front office is led by team president Sam Presti.

It’s fascinating that James once again made a point of heaping praise on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s management team, even though he himself occasionally acts as the (not-so-secret) GM of the Lakers at present (remember the Russell Westbrook trade fiasco?), and team president/general manager Rob Pelinka seems to get a bit lost in the shuffle. For James to disregard Pelinka and/or blame him for this lackluster season thus far.

Will James ever actually own a team in Las Vegas, as, again, the rumor goes? Would he consider Seattle or perhaps a stake in the Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers? Is there a possible scenario where he can purchase his ownership stake while still on the team (i.e. he would be paying for himself)? James has the funds. He’s set to earn $51.4 million next season alone. The 6’9″ vet has already, allegedly taken in $479,.4 million last year. Keep in mind, James has a ton of business interests off the court. That includes maintaining a vast portfolio of advertising partnerships. Two years ago, Chase Peterson-Withorn of Forbes reported that James now possesses a net worth north of $1 billion.