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70 Days After LeBron James’ $10,000,000,000 Worth Las Vegas Approval, Shaquille O’Neal Hints at Following Same Pursuit

Published 08/29/2023, 11:50 PM EDT

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For the longest time, the common perception was that athletes can’t be businessmen. However, over the years, some names have worked hard to remove that conception. As a result, today, seeing an athlete not be a successful businessman is a shocker. But a big part of that change has been a flexing of their innate sports knowledge. Whether it be Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan, more athletes are taking up ownership stakes in sports. It seems like an originally established business mogul like Shaquille O’Neal might also follow suit.

A few months after LeBron James made his intentions clear, the two legends might once again be teaming up.

The next step for Shaquille O’Neal

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Since retiring, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has quickly established himself as a premier name in the celebrity world. Whether it be as a TV personality, DJ, or business expert, Shaq continues to grow his brand with decisions made from the heart.

While his career in other aspects has taken off, O’Neal wants to go to the next level. Following in the footsteps of the names mentioned before, the former Miami Heat champion wants to be an owner. Perhaps, it is a case of feeling threatened in his philosophy. Or, perhaps just wanting to continue to grow.

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Either way, the 4-time NBA Champion has his sights on an ownership stake in the NBA. However, his approach looks to be different from Magic and Mike before him. Instead, he might go the LeBron James route of acquiring ownership deals.

Speaking to People.com, Shaq reeled off his intentions pretty clearly. As he sets up the third iteration of his fundraiser in the city of Las Vegas, the 7-footer finds the location perfect. For such an event, and also for an NBA expansion. “I would love that to happen, and I would love to be the owner of that team or part of the ownership group.”

As we all know, the conversation about owning a team in Las Vegas is nothing new. Most recently, Shaq’s old teammate LeBron also expressed his desire for the same.

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LeBron James heads to Sin City?

The tale of the tape has been present for a while now. But, it was never more apparent than at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game where James openly admitted to his fascination with the city of Vegas. Further, he specifically talked about the increment in the value of sports in the city.

Perhaps, it was the clearest sign of a rumor long considered true as James marveled at the $10 billion stadium project coming to the city. LeBron James heading to Vegas, as an owner. In an iconic GOAT battle, could a strong run as GM and owner, something Jordan historically failed at, give the King his final edge?

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And, could a friend in Shaq help him cross that finish line? Only time will tell.

Watch This Story: 15 Days After Setting Up Dreams Of A Budding Artist, $400 Million Worth Shaquille O’Neal Showcases An Even Bigger Lineup

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Written by:

Priyanshu

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Priyanshu Choudhary is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. Basketball has been his favorite sport for over a decade, and he has written close to 300 articles. If asked what he loves about the sport, Priyanshu would cite the technique, the breakdown, the ebb and flow and the theatrics that have endeared him since 2009.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe