Las Vegas has yet to secure an NBA team, but if and when it does, two Lakers legends, LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal, could find themselves in a showdown for ownership rights.

Following the Lakers’ preseason victory over the Nets on Monday, LeBron was questioned about his aspiration to own an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. He emphasized his eagerness for such ownership, stating, “It just makes sense.” He pointed to the city’s thriving sports scene, mentioning the Raiders, Knights, Aces, and the upcoming F1 presence. LeBron underlined that Las Vegas is a sports hub and that adding an NBA team would further fuel the city’s momentum. In his view, an NBA franchise there is not a question of if but when.

However, King James isn’t alone in this desire, as Shaq has his sights set on sole ownership in the “Sin City.” He made it clear that he’s not interested in partnerships, declaring, “I want it all for myself.” Shaq, a four-time Lakers champion and Hall of Famer, has deep ties to Las Vegas, having lived there for over two decades and invested in various businesses, including nightclubs and restaurants.

The possibility of NBA expansion has been discussed, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioning it once the next media rights deals are settled in 2025. Las Vegas and Seattle have long been rumored as potential destinations for expansion teams.

However, owning an NBA team comes at a substantial cost, as seen when Mat Ishbia bought the Phoenix Suns for $4 billion and Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for a reported $3 billion. Shaq’s current net worth is approximately $400 million, while LeBron’s is around $1 billion, making it an intriguing storyline to watch as this situation develops.