LeBron James won’t stick with sports no matter who suggests it.
In an interview this week with Discover + in Sweden, AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic said it is a “mistake” that “doesn’t look right” when James and other “famous” people get involved in politics.
James responded to the football star’s comments after the Lakers’ victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
“I would never shut up about things that are wrong,” said James. ‘I preach about my people, and I preach about equality. Social injustice. Racism. Systematic suppression of voters. Things that happen in our community.
“Because at one point I was part of my community and saw the things that were going on, and I know what is still happening because I have a group of over 300 kids with me [charter] school going through the same thing, and they need a voice.
“I am their voice and I use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that is going on, not just in my community, but in this country and around the world. So it’s impossible that I would ever stick to sports because I understand how this platform and how powerful my vote is. “
James is one of the most politically and socially active figures in the sport – and the 36-year-old has angered his words in the past. In 2018, Fox News presenter Laura Ingraham infamously told him to “ shut up and dribble ” after James criticized then-President Donald Trump.
In the past year, athletes like James have become more articulate on out-of-court issues following social protests across the country.
James and Ibrahimovic crossed over for 16 months in Los Angeles between 2018 and 2019, when Ibrahimovic was with the Galaxy and James the Lakers.
“He was the same man who said when he was back in Sweden … because his last name wasn’t a particular last name, that he felt there was some racism going on when he was on the field,” said James. “I’m speaking from a very educated mind so I’m actually the wrong guy to go because I’m doing my homework.”
James was referring to an interview in 2018, when Ibrahimovic said his Bosnian roots made him the subject of racism, especially in the media, in his native Sweden.
“I’m not Andersson or Svensson,” Ibrahimovic told Canal +. ‘If I were, believe me, they would defend me, even if I robbed a bank. They would defend me, I tell you that. “
On Friday, James also praised Jaylen Brown of the Celtics and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Alvin Kamara for using their platforms to fight for social justice. He also recognized Renee Montgomery, a former WNBA player who became part owner of the Atlanta Dream franchise this week after the league pressured Senator Kelly Loeffler to sell.
“I feel proud to be part of a generation where our voices are heard and boys speak with an educated mindset,” said James. ‘But more importantly, when you speak from your heart it goes even faster.
“And we have a lot of guys who speak from the heart who didn’t believe they ever had a voice, or now they come in and see that they can have a voice and that their voice really matters. That makes me proud.”