LeBron James to Adam Silver: I want team in Las Vegas

When asked a question about the NBA hosting the exhibition game in Las Vegas, James used the occasion to make a personal plea to commissioner Adam Silver, angling to be first in line to own the team if the league ever expands to Sin City. “I would …

When asked a question about the NBA hosting the exhibition game in Las Vegas, James used the occasion to make a personal plea to commissioner Adam Silver, angling to be first in line to own the team if the league ever expands to Sin City. “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,” James said, alluding to the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks’ preseason trip to the United Arab Emirates that Silver is attending. “But he probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players. “So, I want the team here, Adam. Thank you.”

Source: Dave McMenamin @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
LeBron James on Victor Wembanyama: “For sure a generational talent” #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14…4:16 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New story: LeBron James wants to own an NBA team in Las Vegas and he wants commissioner Adam Silver to know his intent es.pn/3eh5JBD3:11 AM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Amazing how good LeBron still is despite not having mastered any skills or whatever it is people keep going on about with him. – 2:40 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
LeBron James took notice of the potential number 1⃣ NBA 2023 draft pick 🇫🇷Victor Wembanyama and compared him to an alien 👀 pic.twitter.com/Icv1ukt6cF2:27 AM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
LeBron in Vegas? He makes an expansion pitch to Adam Silver (from @AP) apnews.com/article/d6a215…1:28 AM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
LeBron x Vegas Notes:
March: Oak View unveils plan to build $3B stadium near the Las Vegas strip
March: @Bill Simmons says FSG is top contender to get Vegas team
July: “I rather own a team before I talk. I want a team in [Las] Vegas”
Oct: “I would love to bring a team here” pic.twitter.com/by4oWUFAgQ1:27 AM

Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
LeBron James on Victor Wembanyama: “Everybody’s been a unicorn over the last few years, but he’s more like an alien. No one has ever seen anyone as tall as he is but as fluid and as graceful as he is out on the floor… He’s for sure a generational talent.” – 1:18 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James used his postgame press conference in Las Vegas to address NBA commissioner Adam Silver directly during one answer, saying he wants to own the team in Vegas if and when the league expands to include a team in Sin City – 1:03 AM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
LeBron on Vegas: “I want the team here, Adam. Thank you.”
Mr. Silver will hear that, I am certain. – 12:58 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Darvin Ham says Anthony Davis will not play on the second half of the back-to-back Thursday. He will also hold LeBron James and Russell Westbrook out. He said Patrick Beverley will be 50-50. – 12:49 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
AD, Westbrook and LeBron will all rest tomorrow due to it being a B2B in the preseason. Beverley could sit too (Ham said it’s 50-50). – 12:45 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Darvin Ham said he’s going to stick to the plan not to play AD, LeBron or Russ tomorrow. Patrick Beverley is “50-50” for tomorrow’s game against his former team Minnesota. – 12:45 AM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Anthony Davis won’t play Thursday, either. Minor back tightness, Darvin Ham says.
Westbrook and LeBron also out vs. Minnesota. – 12:44 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Lakers lose to the Suns 119-115, are now 0-2 to start the preseason. LeBron 23p on 8-for-11 4a; Westbrook 12p on 4-for-12 3a 4tos; Nunn 21p on 8-for-13; Dwayne Bacon 11p; Reaves 6p 9a 7r 3s 2b – 12:36 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Final: PHX 119, LAL 115.
LAL got the better of the Suns 1st and 2nd units, before the young group was outscored in the 4th.
LeBron was terrific in the 1st half, while Austin Reaves and Kendrick Nunn had particularly strong games as well. – 12:36 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
FINAL: Suns 119, Lakers 115.
Another game in which the Lakers led after the first (and relevant) half. LeBron had 23 points, Russ had 12 and 3 assists, Kendrick Nunn had 21 points, Austin Reaves had 9 assists (8 in the first half). – 12:34 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
If I were Darvin Ham I would simply sub in LeBron James for this possession – 12:28 AM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
LeBron James is in the “Trinity” LeBron 20 tonight — a nod to the “Big 3” era in Miami.
Several colorways of his newest Nike sneaker will tie back to key chapters from his 20 season career. pic.twitter.com/YtVArwkpOe12:08 AM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron asked a team attendant for a sharpie, then asked a young fan to send his jersey over, which @LeBron James autographed for him. Always nice to see a big smile on a kid’s face. pic.twitter.com/afL9LnM5KM12:08 AM

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
First look at several LeBron 20 samples at a Nike media event in China 👀👀
What’s your favorite colorway so far?
(📷: jesuscare/IG) pic.twitter.com/w4FlMyfVe411:46 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron James tonight:
23 PTS
4 REB
4 AST
He only played 17 minutes. pic.twitter.com/ciz5mkHOqs11:37 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LAL’s lead is 75-70 with Westbrook (21 minutes) and Beverley (20) coming out at the 8:48 mark, joining LeBron (17) on the bench.
That could be it tonight for the three vets. – 11:35 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron looks to be done for the night after his impressive first half. Rookie Cole Swider replaces him in the starting lineup for the 2nd half.
PHX still has its starters in, with the exception of the injured Johnson (Craig is in for him). – 11:31 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
One change for third quarter: the role of LeBron James will now be played by Cole Swider. – 11:30 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
“I came into the game looking to keep LeBron and all my guys involved.” -Austin Reaves, postgame, I hope. AK – 11:16 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LAL were in control for much of the 1st half, and take a 69-62 lead into the locker room.
@LeBron James took advantage of some pretty good spacing in Darvin Ham’s system to lead all scorers 23 points. Austin Reaves had 8 assists, and the whole team competed defensively. – 11:14 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
HALFTIME: Lakers 69, Suns 62. LeBron leads all scorers with 23 points. – 11:14 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron has been sharp all half in his 15 minutes: 8 for 10 FG’s towards 21 points, with 4 assists and 3 rebounds, plus a steal. Several crisp defensive rotations and help efforts on the glass. – 11:02 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Bron catching a groove in preseason 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/azwBrdPWTU10:57 PM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Lebron turning in one of those “they said I’m the eighth best player in the league” halves 😂😂😂😂 – 10:54 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
AD gotta commit to the five man cause Lebron is a nuclear weapon at the four with spacing around him….it’s clearly what’s best for the team – 10:52 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Yeah. Lebron definitely heard the talk about Monday night’s 0 fer – 10:51 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Austin Reaves has been terrific tonight, showcased most recently with an offensive rebound amidst the trees, and kick-out-assist to LeBron for a 3.
James then hit another triple, his 3rd, to reach 8 of 9 on FG’s towards 19 points in 11 minutes.
LAL up 48-38. – 10:51 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron up to 19 points in 11 minutes – 10:51 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Lakers lead the Suns 35-28 after 1Q here in Las Vegas. Good minutes for LeBron (11p on 5-of-6) and Westbrook (11p on 4-of-6). – 10:41 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LAL’s margin after 12 minutes is 35-28, despite a last-second tip in from the Suns.
Both the starting group (sans AD) and the bench played with good pace and grit.
LeBron and Westbrook had 11 points apiece, plus 5 from Nunn off the pine. – 10:39 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Lakers 35, Suns 28 after a quarter. LeBron and Russ each have 11 points. It’s looked lively with a small lineup approach. – 10:38 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
It’s a 9-0 Lakers run, capped by Westbrook’s 2nd corner 3, and a transition layup that has LAL up 32-21.
Russ has 11 points, to match LeBron. – 10:32 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Lebron heard the talk about his 0 fer on Monday night – 10:29 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges looking to attack LeBron James off the bounce is something he wouldn’t have done last year.
Or at least not that quickly.
Bridges with four points on 1-of-4 FGs. #Suns down four – 10:27 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
LeBron shooting one-legged 3’s (made), logo 3’s (missed) and blocking shots four rows deep. In Year 20. – 10:26 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LeBron and Chris Paul exchange 3s. #Lakers up 20-17 with 6:11 left in 1st quarter. #Suns10:23 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron misses off the front rim of a long 3-pointer, but when Mikal Bridges tried to run it back for a dunk in transition, LeBron chased him down.
A lot of offensive energy from this small ball group to start the game against the Suns, Lakers up 20-17. – 10:22 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron started 4 for 4, quickly reaching 9 points, and then pulled up for a logo 3 … he missed it, but he packed Bridges in transition on the other end, getting possession back for the Lakers.
LAL, sans AD, lead 20-17 at the 6:11 mark of the 1st. – 10:22 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
OH CMON LEBRON 😂😂😂😂 – 10:22 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Oh, cmon Lebron 😂😂😂 – 10:21 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Much more spry LeBron today. He’s 3 for 3 to start after going 0 for 7 in the opener, and two baskets have come on hard drives to the rim. – 10:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
LeBron in transition. #Lakers 14, #Suns 9 – 10:19 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron’s first 2 FG’s of the preseason come on a jumper, then a transition layup with a tough lefty finish over Bridges, as LAL takes a 10-7 lead. – 10:15 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
With Anthony Davis out, there should be moments LeBron James is guarding Deandre Ayton.
Looking to see if Ayton tries to take a couple of hard dribbles on his way to the rim on James as he did against the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday. #Suns #Lakers10:07 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
While it’s a preseason game, tonight is going to visualize the loss of Crowder a bit more.
Bridges on guards has been easier since Crowder can take the bigger forwards like LeBron.
Lots for Johnson to prove this year. Looking forward to seeing how he takes on the challenge. – 9:51 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Lakers starters: Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Anthony Davis. – 9:35 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Lakers going small tonight, what you think?
-AD
-Bron
-Russ
-Reaves
-Pat Bev – 8:23 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
It’ll be a small ball look tonight, with Davis starting at the 5, LeBron the 4 (defensively), and Westbrook, Beverley and Reaves alongside.
Ham has been saying that we’d see various lineups as they take a look at things. – 8:20 PM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
Lakers starting lineup tonight will be LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley and Austin Reaves. – 8:19 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Darvin Ham says he will “ramp up” the playing time for LeBron James and Russell Westbrook tonight. He will keep AD in the “high teens” and not playing AD in the b2b tomorrow. – 8:18 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The veterans will be in the 20s minutes-wise, Darvin Ham says. The exception is AD, who will play in the high teens.
Bron, AD, Russ, Pat Bev and Austin Reaves will all start. – 8:18 PM
Todd Whitehead @CrumpledJumper
LeBron may break the all-time scoring record this season. I ran some simulations to predict which day it could happen 📆🍿🎟️ pic.twitter.com/w48LNmrUna5:46 PM

Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray talked about playing against LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. pic.twitter.com/NYPJqVSXwk4:46 PM

Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
Austin Reaves’ reaction to LeBron James heckling players during practice. 😂 pic.twitter.com/zKoWqeTlNZ3:14 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
LeBron James: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Nessun rapporto con lui sportando.basketball/lebron-james-k…11:12 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
As he chases record, LeBron says he has “no relationship” with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar nba.nbcsports.com/2022/10/05/as-…11:00 AM

More on this storyline

Kyle Goon: LeBron confirmed he went to see Victor Wembenyama and Scooter Henderson yesterday. He called Wembenyama “a generational talent” whose specific size and game hasn’t been seen before. Notes that a lot of guys have been labeled “unicorn”; “He’s more like an alien.” -via Twitter @kylegoon / October 6, 2022
Shaquille O’Neal: I think the greatest player is Michael Jordan. LeBron James is about to do something that hasn’t been done in a long time, and I think he will move his name up there. But for me, it’s always Dr. J (Julius Erving), Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and those guys. -via YouTube / October 5, 2022