Lakers’ LeBron James on being part-owner of Boston Red Sox: ‘My goal is to own an NBA franchise’

LeBron James does not want the NBA history books simply to capture how many championships he won, how many points he scored or how many assists he made. The Los Angeles Lakers’ star also has aspirations to hoist NBA trophies without requiring him to play the game.

“My goal is to own an NBA franchise,” James said Tuesday following the Lakers’ win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center. “It’ll be sooner than later.”

James is under contract with the Lakers through the 2022-23 season when he turns 38. But he has said that he would like to stay in the NBA long enough to play with his son, Bronny, who is currently at Sierra Canyon High School in L.A. Nonetheless, James has clear sights on his next career choice whenever he ultimately decides to stop lacing up his sneakers. He wants to oversee an NBA team while wearing a suit instead.

“I have so much to give to the game. I know what it takes to win at this level,” James said. “I know talent. I also know how to run a business as well.”

OPINION: LeBron James joining Red Sox ownership is great news for MLB

LeBron James and his longtime business partner Maverick Carter will be part-owners of the Boston Red Sox. (Photo: Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)

Hence, James and his longtime business partner, Maverick Carter, became partners with Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC of the English Premier League, Roush Fenway Racing, regional sports network NESN, Fenway Sports Management and FSG Real Estate. Before that deal, James owned a small share of Liverpool FC.

Beyond business relationships with Nike, Springhill Entertainment, Blaze Pizza, AT&T and Pepsi, James also has overseen the I Promise School. That program started in 2018 as a partnership with James’ foundation and Akron Public schools to help at-risk youth with education and financial resources.

“It’s great to be with such a great group with FSG. They’ve done so many great things over the years. Just that collective group of people, they’re just amazing to be partners with,” James said. “As far as the Red Sox, obviously a historical franchise. We know the history of the World Series championships that they brought back home to Boston and the players that’s come through there and the legacy that they hold in that area.

"I think for me and my partner, Maverick, to be the first two Black men to be a part of that ownership group and history of that franchise, I think it’s pretty damn cool.”

Part of the reason: James recognized the potential long-term impact.  

“It gives me and people that look like me hope and inspiration they can be in a position like that as well and that it can be done,” James said. “It gives my kids at I Promise School more and more inspiration as well. But it’s a great day for myself, for my family and my school and for my business partner, Maverick Carter, and everyone that has something to do with our group. But it’s a pretty amazing thing to be able to build my portfolio off the floor in the beautiful game like baseball.”

Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

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