LeBron James, the NBA superstar still playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, might soon become a part-owner of the Boston Celtics. This intriguing possibility arises from Fenway Sports Group's (FSG) consideration of purchasing the Celtics. However, there are significant hurdles to overcome before James can take on this new role.
Currently, James cannot be part of the Celtics ownership due to his active playing career. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement (CBA) explicitly prohibits players from owning stakes in teams. This rule is designed to maintain a clear distinction between management and labor, ensuring that negotiations between players and owners are fair and unbiased.
If FSG were to acquire the Celtics, James would need to divest his equity in FSG. This move would allow him to avoid any potential complications arising from his dual roles as a player and owner. Once he retires, he could potentially buy back his stake in FSG, similar to how Magic Johnson did with the Lakers.
The idea of James owning a stake in the Celtics while still playing for the Lakers is both intriguing and problematic. It would raise questions about his loyalty to the Lakers and potentially create unnecessary distractions for both teams. The NBA has a history of addressing such conflicts, as seen with Magic Johnson's ownership stake in the Lakers and his subsequent retirement.
The prospect of James becoming a Celtics owner is not new. There have been discussions about him potentially buying into the team in the future. However, the current CBA and the NBA's rules regarding player ownership make it challenging for James to achieve this goal while still playing for the Lakers.
In the meantime, James continues to focus on his playing career with the Lakers. His recent involvement in the Lakers' draft decisions, particularly the selection of his son Bronny, has sparked speculation about his potential role in the team's management. While he may not be an owner yet, his influence within the Lakers organization is undeniable.
The possibility of James becoming a Celtics owner remains a topic of interest within the NBA community. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this potential development unfolds. For now, James remains committed to his playing career with the Lakers, but the future holds the promise of new opportunities and challenges for the basketball legend.