LeBron James admits $10bn NBA retirement plan off as Kevin Durant puts timeline on King’s career

Mar 19, 2026 - 13:00

Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners with a potential NBA expansion to 32 teams gathering steam.

Basketball great LeBron James is considering his options once he walks off the hardwood for good and was among the names in the mix for a Sin City franchise.

King James isn’t ready to give up his crown

King James has a partnership with Fenway Sports Group and had been linked with interest in Las Vegas.

But The Athletic’s Joe Vardon and Mike Vorkunov are reporting that the option has been taken off the table.

If the plan is given the green light, the league is reportedly seeking fees of $7-10 billion for the right to create a franchise.

“FSG was long expected to be James’ primary financial backer in his stated desire to be an NBA team owner,” wrote The Athletic.

James has an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, per Forbes, but he would need help if his long-stated dream of owning a team is to be realized.

Asked if he was going to be part of a bid, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer said: “No, I’m not. Not at all.”

FSG has worked with James since 2011 and already includes the Boston Red Sox and English Premier League club Liverpool in its portfolio.

A vote is due to take place next week, per ESPN insider Shams Charania.

James is in his 23rd season and playing on the final year of his Los Angeles Lakers contract.

The 22-time All-Star has not made a decision on his future yet but continues to produce excellence on the court.

James has spoken of his desire to become an owners for years

Durant thinks his old foe can keep going for years

He racked up 30 points off 13-of-14 shooting from the field in a win over the Houston Rockets Wednesday.

Kevin Durant insisted his rival has plenty more in the tank after their latest matchup.

“I think he could play until he’s 45 years old,” said the Rockets veteran. “I don’t think he’ll be around that long, but I think he could play for another four to five years, to be honest. It’s not a surprise anymore.”

“At his age, 41, but he looks great out there. When you love the game as much as he does, you’ll do anything to stay locked in and on top of your game. He’s very inspiring as a human being.”

Kevin Durant wades into GOAT debate

KD caused a stir by claiming that Michael Jordan would easily have surpassed James’ scoring feats had he played longer and taken two breaks in his prime.

Speaking to The Ringer, Durant argued: “He could’ve played past 40.

NBA's Greatest

Greatest NBA players in the world right now – from Luka Doncic to Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama

Best players in NBA history to never win a championship – James Harden and Carmelo Anthony to Allen Iverson and Karl Malone

10 richest owners in the NBA – family empires, media moguls and investment gurus

Michael Jordan’s top 10 scoring games – counting down MJ’s most extraordinary totals

“I would say MJ took off four to five years combined. You give him 300 more games of 30 points a night.

“That’s not an exaggeration. That’s what he averaged, 30!

“MJ took time off. It’s times where he was like, ‘I’m sick of the game. I want to take time off and regroup and come back into the game.’ And that’s what he did. Bron, he played straight through.”

The Lakers are set to hand the keys over to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but King James has a shot at a fifth ring which would leave him one short of Air Jordan.

Los Angeles is 44-25 — good enough for third in the Western Conference — thanks to a seven-game winning streak.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NBA across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.