There is no question that LeBron James has always been good enough to play overseas. Apparently, that idea crossed the superstar forward's mind at one point.
The usual reason NBA players go overseas is to seek better pay and more playing time. However, ever since he was drafted first overall in 2003, James has never had those issues. Still, during a 2008 press conference in Beijing, while LeBron was still with the Cleveland Cavaliers , he touched on the topic and didn't rule out the option of playing abroad.
"Growing up, you never think about any other league besides the NBA," the All-Star guard stated via the New York Times. "But things are changing really fast, and you never know. I can't throw all my eggs in one basket. There are going to be a lot of opportunities for me in 2010 to decide if I want to stay with Cleveland or if I want to go elsewhere. Did I ever imagine it? No. Is it a possibility? Yes"
The King playing abroad?
James always got the salary he deserved in the NBA. His on-court greatness also secured him countless off-court deals, which turned him into one of the wealthiest basketball players in the world.
The Akron native has been his respective team's No.1 option since joining the league as a teenager. So, there was never a need for him to look for greener pastures anywhere outside of the U.S.
However, had the right offer come, LeBron hinted he would've been willing to listen.
"I haven't been offered that, I haven't talked to anybody," the 2004 Rookie of the Year stated. "I like hearing good rumors, not bad rumors. That's a good rumor."
LeBron in Saudi Arabia?
Currently, James is tied to the Los Angeles Lakers until 2025 on a $51.4 million contract. Despite nearing 40, he has shown that he can still be dominant on the court. Naturally, people expect him to play past his current deal with the purple and gold.
If James frowns at offers after his contract runs out, playing in Europe could be an option. However, another place where he could end up is Saudi Arabia.
The four-time NBA champion visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia , in 2023, and fans speculated he could get a $1 billion contract to join a basketball team there. This did not go beyond the rumor stage, so it would be best to take it with a grain of salt.
However, if James decides to keep playing after his current deal with the Lakers is up, this scenario could be a realistic possibility for The King. After all, sports teams in Saudi Arabia have shown they are not afraid to spend big to bring in top talent.
Related: Mike Krzyzewski talks about coaching LeBron James: "He and Kobe were the two guys who were just above everyone in preparation"
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