Good Question!

Obama: Enough to Draw LeBron to D.C.?

Katharine Rust May 19, 2010

In an unexpected twist of fate during last night's NBA draft lottery, the Washington Wizards won the right to choose first among the slew of players up for NBA employment in the June 24th draft. That first choice will likely be John Wall, a former University of Kentucky player who, upon hearing of the Wizard's win, declared his excitement at the prospect of playing in Washington because "President Obama can be at your games."

It's not the first time Obama's name has come up as a reason for Washington's professional athletes to be excited. Last month when former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb signed with the Redskins, he too cited Obama as a reason to play in Washington. Clearly playing in front of the president is a perk for Washington athletes.

The question now: Does Obama have enough star power to lure basketball superstar LeBron James to D.C. too? While the prospect of James heading to D.C. is monetarily unlikely--the team can't afford him outright and acquiring him would involve a tricky sign and trade deal--Kyle Weldle from Washington basketball blog, Truth About It, lays out the possibility.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at krust at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.