James aspires to become a billionaire sports figure and involving himself in the global sports market is one way to reach that goal. Liverpool's worldwide support made the investment a no-brainer for him.
"Any time you have so much history and so much power behind their story," James said, "there is great potential to continue that expansion. Liverpool are definitely one of those clubs … There are some teams and logos you see, no matter where you are in the world, and you know exactly who they are and what they mean. I see Liverpool in that group."
James holds a minority stake in LFC ownership team Fenway Sports Group. His maiden Anfield voyage in mid-October made a powerful impression on the 26-year-old. A stroll through the trophy room was all it took for him to realize what the club means to its supporters.
"To walk through the facility the day before the game -– to see all the history and all the achievements was very powerful. Liverpool have won 19 league championships [in fact, they have won 18] and it also meant a lot to read about King Kenny [Dalglish] and the story of Steven Gerrard – a hometown kid who now captains the team.
The seven-time NBA all-star twice led his team to the NBA finals, only to fall at the last hurdle. Winning his first league championship is an obsession for the player nicknamed "King James." He hopes to win his first ring at the same time Liverpool ends its 22-year wait for domestic glory.
"It definitely gives me another incentive to be part of that team," he said. "They're striving to be a champion and I'm striving to do the same. It would be great if we could do it in the same year."
Photo via LiverpoolFC.tv
