Ex-NBA champ makes bold prediction about LeBron James as his business partner gets involved in $5B investment

Former NBA player and one-time champ Kendrick Perkins predicted LeBron James' potential next move after some big news about his business partner, Maverick Carter. James has been rumored to be interested in owning a team in the future, but it seems like "The King" is going for something much bigger.

According to Bloomberg, Carter is serving as an advisor to a group of investors looking to create an international basketball league to rival the NBA. The group is reportedly looking to raise around $5 billion, while the league model will be similar to Formula 1.

Perkins, catching wind of the report, predicted that the LA Lakers superstar might be gunning to be a league owner once he retires from the NBA.

"I thought yall said Bron was trying to own his NBA team when he retires … sounds like he trying to get his own league," Perkins posted on X (formerly called Twitter).

For those unaware, LeBron James and Maverick Carter are long-time friends who turned into business partners. Carter has been James' business manager, forming a partnership with agent Rich Paul to take "The King" to bigger heights outside of basketball.

Carter is also responsible for helping launch several of James' businesses like SpringHill Entertainment. He was also instrumental in the four-time MVP's investment in Liverpool as well as Fenway Sports Group.

However, it seems like James won't be involved in Carter's newest venture, which could be a direct competitor of the NBA. Front Office Sports clarified that the oldest player in the league isn't a part of the investment group.

Some of the names involved include Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, SC Holdings co-founders Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic and ex-Facebook executive Grady Burnett.

The last time the NBA had a direct competitor was in the 1970s at the height of the ABA. As mentioned above, the concept for the new league is similar to F1, with the potential of teams visiting cities around the world.

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LeBron James wants to own an NBA team in Las Vegas

LeBron James wants to own an NBA team in Las Vegas. (Photo: IMAGN)

Before the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, LeBron James haad hinted that he wanted to be a part of an ownership group for a basketball team in Las Vegas. James appealed to NBA commissioner Adam Silver to bring a team to Sin City.

"It’s the best fanbase in the world," James said. "I would love to bring a team here at some point, that would be amazing. I know Adam is in Abu Dhabi right now, I believe, but he probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players."

If the NBA approves an expansion team to Las Vegas, James will have to retire, as no active players are allowed to be a part of an ownership group.