LeBron James wants to meet with incoming commissioner Adam Silver
LeBron James hinted on Tuesday he wanted incoming commissioner Adam Silver (right) to make basketball more accessible to people around the world. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
As David Stern enters the final days of his 20-year tenure as NBA commissioner, many are already turning their attention to Stern's successor, Adam Silver. Among the biggest names seeking a sit-down with Silver is reigning league MVP LeBron James.
Speaking to ESPN's Brian Windhorst after Tuesday's practice in Miami, James said he wanted to discuss a number of topics with the new commissioner, including expanding the game of basketball so that more people can tune in.
SI WIRE: Report: Kobe Bryant out two to four more weeks
"It's not a major change, but the game can always be bigger. There's a lot of people who love the game who can't watch the game, so hopefully we can (expand it)."
Stern's retirement has been forthcoming for more than a year. The 71-year-old joined the league as outside counsel in 1966 and became executive vice president in 1980 before replacing then-Commissioner Larry O'Brien in 1984. In October 2012, when he announced he would be retiring, he expressed confidence in the man the Board of Governors named as his replacement.
James also said he has high hopes for the Silver administration, according to Windhorst.
"The opportunities I've had to be around him as he's been the assistant commish, he's been easy to talk to," James said. "He understands the business and someone who understands what the game means to everyone -- the whole pie. Best of luck to him, hopefully he can get 30 years in, too."
Stern officially steps down on Feb. 1.
DOLLINGER: LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Ken Jeong sing their hearts out at ‘Battioke 2014′