LeBron James is concentrating on getting ready for his 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers.  The $52 million player option for the forthcoming season, the final year of his deal, has already been exercised by the four-time NBA MVP. 

Competitive Euro Pro League

Before the Lakers revealed that Luka Dončić had agreed to a three-year, $165 million deal extension, James wrote on Instagram four days ago about stepping up training for the upcoming season.

Rob Pelinka, president of basketball operations for the Lakers, stated over the weekend that James' agent, Rich Paul, has been "positive and supportive" and that "it would be great" if James retired as a Laker.

However, if today's reports are accurate, James also seems to be concentrating more on life after his playing career ends.

Support from Saudi Investment Funds

According to the Sports Business Journal, NBA executives think James and his business partner Maverick Carter are two of the key players behind the scenes helping to finance a new European professional basketball league that would ostensibly compete with the league the NBA wants to start.

The Saudi Investment Fund, which supported LIV Golf, a PGA competitor that has drawn many of the biggest names in golf with multi-million dollar contracts, would support the new league.

James has already expressed his desire to buy an NBA team.  However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated in July that there is no set schedule for expansion.

James's 23rd Season Comeback

NBA Europe franchise costs are expected to surpass $500 million, according to the Sports Business Journal article.  According to the narrative, the new NBA Europe professional league won't start for another two or three years, but that might change if James' Saudi-backed league gains traction. 

According to reports, six men's and six women's teams would compete in that league in cities throughout the world.

One NBA team executive was quoted: “I’ll tell you, you may think I’m crazy, but I think the catalyst of this [NBA Europe] going quicker is they’re worried LeBron and Maverick are going to get the Saudis and start like a league. I think without a question, they [the NBA] think it’s direct competition.

"LeBron doesn’t give a sh**. Not if Saudi gives LeBron $200 million in cash and calls it a night.”