The basketball news world is abuzz with speculation surrounding a reported meeting between NBA superstar LeBron James and Misko Raznatovic, agent for Nikola Jokic, sparking intense debate about the future of professional basketball and James’s legacy.
This high-profile encounter has fueled claims across multiple sports outlets that the two discussed the ambitious prospect of forming a new global basketball league, a development further teased by Raznatovic’s enigmatic social media post hinting at a major announcement in late 2026, adding to NBA rumors.
The timing of these discussions is particularly significant, as the speculated 2026 launch date coincides precisely with the expiration of LeBron James’s current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, intensifying rumors of his potential frustration with the franchise.
The revelation of this meeting, and the idea of a rival league, immediately ignited a firestorm within the professional sports media, with prominent figures like radio host and coach Doug Gottlieb vociferously criticizing James’s perceived motivations and loyalty.
Gottlieb sharply asserted that James’s actions underscore a deep-seated self-interest, claiming the legendary player has never truly prioritized the fan bases of teams like the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, or the Los Angeles Lakers, instead focusing solely on his personal gain and inner circle.
While the notion of LeBron James lacking emotional connection to his former teams may seem harsh, Doug Gottlieb’s critique gained traction by highlighting the unprecedented nature of a player allegedly seeking to undermine the very league that propelled him to billionaire status, suggesting a singular focus on financial endeavors.
This controversial proposal for a new league is reportedly backed by substantial global investors and, crucially, would offer players player equity—a transformative financial incentive currently disallowed by NBA owners.
The concept of player equity has recently been championed by other high-profile athletes like Stephen Curry, suggesting that Misko Raznatovic’s vision might represent a significant shift in player empowerment and a bold reimagining of professional basketball’s economic model, becoming a major piece of basketball news.
