The NCAA today announced the collegiate athletics organization would reconsider and re-examine bylaws for student-athletes to earn compensation from their likeness, signaling a pivotal moment in winning payment in an unjust system for thousands of amateur players. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who has been an advocate for reforms in the NCAA, responded to the news on Tuesday expressing his gratitude.

“It's a beautiful day for all college athletes going forward from this day on! Thank you guys for allowing me to bring more light to it,” the 15-time All-Star tweeted Tuesday afternoon. “I’m so proud of … everyone who has been fighting this fight.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Byron Scott during the Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic on September 13, 2024.
Former Laker Byron Scott reveals Kobe Bryant’s ‘most gangster s**t’ everMiguel La Torre ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·

James, 34, was the NBA's first overall selection in the 2003 draft, forgoing an education and scholarship at top institutions to instead play professionally immediately following high school. The Lakers star's prominent agent, Rich Paul, has recently started a movement to expand student-athletes' ability to be represented.

Last month California Governor Gavin Newsom signed state legislation, the Fair Pay to Play Act, while appearing on the James-produced HBO program “The Shop.” The law, supported by LeBron, will cause headaches for the NCAA, who in the past has strongly resisted measures to pay student-athletes beyond the value of a scholarship.

Tuesday's announcement from the NCAA is a step in the right direction in affording athletes the ability to compensate for their labor. However, the amateur sports behemoth of an organization has been vague with details—pushing potential updates to its policies until 2021.