LeBron James is one of the best basketball players to ever step on the court. He's completely transformed the sport since his NBA debut in 2003, with similar players following in his footsteps since.
What makes LeBron James a very interesting player to see is how vocal and influential he is off the court as well.
There have been plenty of instances where the King showed everyone just how influential he can be. Here are five ways LeBron James made his presence felt throughout the league.
The financial boom he brings to cities
LeBron James is not just a player, but he is also a big brand. He's got the Midas touch. His talent and charisma make him one of the most sought-after athletes in the world, and companies are always at his door, looking to cash in on his brand.
In fact, cities that were in contention for the LeBron James Sweepstakes in 2018 weren't only anticipating his arrival in terms of his talent to dribble the ball.
It was revealed by Selena Hill of Black Enterprise that cities would feel a massive boost to their books, with New York getting a $1.7 billion boost to their economy if he made the move to the Big Apple.
Moreover, Fortune's Sarah Gray revealed that James's arrival to the City of Angels would be bringing up to $400,000,000 in profit for the city and create up to 3,000 jobs in the food industry, as establishments within a mile of Staples Center would pop up like mushrooms.
James knows that Black Lives Matter
Growing up under duress in Akron, OH, James knew how tough a rough background can be. He also understands that the system as it is now is not working fairly for people of color.
James has been a staunch critic of police brutality against African Americans and called for accountability on the police force. Moreover, he's not shy to tackle the racism he and his people are facing every day.
While he's been told by analysts to shut up and dribble, he's not afraid to use his privilege as an NBA superstar to bring up racial injustices.
“I know there’s a lot of tragic things happening in Charlottesville,” James says, per CNBC's Ruth Umoh. “I have this platform, and I’m somebody that has a voice of command, and the only way for us to get better as a society and for us to get better as people is love. And that’s the only way we’re going to be able to conquer something as one.”
James speaks up on national issues
James' opinions aren't limited to racial injustices. He also takes an active stand on national policy, not afraid to let his opinions on politics and pressing national issues be heard.
He's not afraid to call out people who he thinks are acting like a bum. He was very involved in the 2016 campaign of Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. He happily gave his opinion on any social issues that transcended the basketball court.
The greatest thing about LeBron James speaking up is that he made it okay for the rest of the league to let their opinions be known about social issues. He helped the NBA become one of the most socially involved professional sports league in the United States.
His continuous philanthropy to his native Ohio
LBJ may have traded the Cavalier wine for the Laker gold, but they can never take away the Akron out of the man. His charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation, is continuously involved in the community.
James commits a certain amount of his money in ensuring that the kids in the community get programs and initiatives that will help them grow up in a kinder and more holistic environment.
The biggest project of his foundation yet is the I PROMISE Institute.
James is a perfect role model for young kids to aspire to be
James made a few questionable basketball decisions in his career.
He's married to his high school sweetheart and has three kids with her. He's visible and involved in his children's lives, and his support for his son's blossoming basketball career is nothing short of adorable.
He doesn't forget his roots and is always involved in his hometown. He also shows his intelligence as he's not afraid to talk about politics. He's presented himself as a well-rounded person who has done a lot of right things. He's a perfect role model for kids to follow.
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