Saudi Arabian sports teams have been at the center of attention these last few months and it has been so for a very specific reason. Clubs based in the Middle Eastern country have started to splash the cash on top European soccer stars, and it all pretty much started with Cristiano Ronaldo. Since then, almost every superstar athlete has been linked to a move to the country, including NBA legend LeBron James as well.

Basketball isn’t a sport that the Saudi Arabian government is looking to develop right now, although it looks like the plans for the future are in motion. Soccer clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Ettihad, Al-Hilal, and others, have offered huge contracts in a bid to lure players to the Gulf. Surprisingly, even James Harden wasn’t safe from these reports, as many claimed that he received a contract offer worth $900 million. 

Now, LeBron seems to be at the center of it, as fans are eagerly waiting to know if the 4x NBA champ would be taking his talents to Saudi. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers star made his way to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For some context, that’s where Cristiano Ronaldo has been making waves as well. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner plays for Al-Nassr, a Saudi Pro League club that is based in the same city.

After videos of LeBron James in Saudi went viral, many questioned if he was set to receive a lucrative contract. One even wrote, “Is that 2 year $1 billion contract coming?” while another user asked if he was signing with Al-Hilal.

With that said, it looks like these wishes may never come true, as there has been no official confirmation from any side as of now. Moreover, LeBron seems to be attending a basketball camp in the country, as the background in one of the images suggests.

There is also a poster visible at the back which could mean that LeBron is part of the country’s ‘Visit Saudi’ program that is intended to promote the country’s lifestyle. Moreover, having a player of LeBron’s caliber in Saudi would undoubtedly shed some light on their basketball talents as well.

Will LeBron James leave the Los Angeles Lakers?

LeBron has made quite a fortune while cementing his status as one of the NBA’s GOATs. Until now, he has made over $530 million from NBA contracts as multiple reports claim. If he were to really receive a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian basketball team, it would likely dwarf his NBA earnings.

The 19x NBA All-Star is currently under a $51 million contract with the Lakers, until 2025. He will be 41 years old after his deal, and his future in the league has come into doubt even before that. Recently, reports mentioned that The King was looking to reunite with Kyrie Irving, with the latter trying to convince him to join the Dallas Mavericks. 

Moreover, it is claimed that LeBron is still keen on setting foot on the court with Kyrie, but there is almost no chance that the Mavs will let their guard go to the Lakers. That means the only option for LeBron would be to be open to leave for Texas, but how does that look for his hunt for a fifth ring? 

There is no doubt that the Lakers have built a much stronger roster after the trade deadline this year, and have managed to re-sign Anthony Davis as well. That should speak at length about their depth and could mean that the Mavs’ firepower may not be enough to get a shot at the title. 

Regardless, it is still a huge question mark whether LeBron will continue after his current contract. Although he has expressed his longtime wish to play with his son Bronny, age will surely be a constraint.