Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been much more active on his stances in social issues during the latter part of his career. His four-year rival Draymond Green noted this very change in attitude, one that propelled him to great heights as more than just an athlete.

James noted his inspiration to start speaking up on these issues was rather simple, as he described during his debut episode on HBO's The Shop.

“When I decided I was going to start speaking up and not giving a f*** about the backlash or if it affects me,” said James. “My whole mindset was it's not about me… my truth to so many different kids and so many different people was broader than me personally.”

James' first memorable call to action was after the shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012, an issue that took place in his-then home state of Florida — which emboldened him to speak up and lead a Miami Heat team to wear “I can't breathe” shirts instead of the customary warmup attire.

The King had already battled plenty of criticism of his character after joining the Heat, and after playing the villain for the initial part of his career in South Beach, he put the hero cape on as the voice of the NBA when it comes to issues of inequality.

This transformed James' narrative from the villain who left his hometown of Cleveland to an inspirational figure which puts his community before everything — something that helped re-write the script of his career.

LeBron James hasn't been shy of speaking about political issues either, often noting his disgust for the current administration and the actions taken by this regime.