LeBron James has a presidential endorsement and a 40-year-old contemplating a NBA comeback
Few athletes have used their platform to spark societal change better than LeBron James.
From the “I Can’t Breathe” shirts in 2014 to the I Promise School to his most recent initiative to end voter suppression, James’ reputation as a social justice warrior has garnered him widespread acclaim. And with the NBA inching closer to restarting, it should come as no surprise that people want to be on his side — both on and off the court.
Recent comments from Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green and James’ former teammate Mike Miller provide just the latest examples. Appearing on “First Take,” Green lauded the Los Angeles Laker’s advocacy before suggesting a post-basketball career move.
“What he’s done off the court and the initiatives that he’s been able to lead.... I have the upmost respect for him and I hope he runs for president run day,” Green said Tuesday.
Later that day, Miller, 40, joked about filling the Lakers’ open roster spot just to play with LeBron again.
Though seemingly two different points, they illustrate just how much LeBron’s peers respect him. This man has a 40-year-old who hasn’t played professionally since 2017 considering, albeit jokingly, a NBA comeback in the midst of a global pandemic. Then there’s Green, someone who has butted heads with the King in the past, essentially endorsing him for president. This just doesn’t happen often.
Regardless of where LeBron falls in your GOAT argument, his off-the-court impact puts him in the same echelon as the Muhammad Alis and Kareem Abdul-Jabbars of the world. That’s certainly worth more than being 6-0 in the NBA Finals.
This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 1:42 PM.
