It’s always good to have powerful people in your corner when you’re trying to fight for something. And, luckily for LeBron James and other NBA players, it doesn’t get any more powerful than former president Barack Obama.
After Wednesday’s player’s only meeting, James, Chris Paul and a small handful of other players sought the advice of Obama, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
They reached out to Obama for counsel on how to proceed with their activism in the fight for social justice. He essentially convinced the players to keep playing basketball.
During their conversation, Obama advised James and the other players to play and use the opportunity they have on the court to “contextualize action they want in order to play,” Charania reports. Players also suggested forming an action committee that the former president would be involved in.
Obama released a statement on his call with the players.
Statement from President Obama’s office on conversations with LeBron James and co: pic.twitter.com/87VdRKCrdN
— Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) August 29, 2020
Just two days after their call, the players and league came out with an action plan that keeps the playoffs going while expanding the league’s reach in social justice initiatives.
So there you have it. Playoff basketball is back, but more importantly the players are still fighting for what they believe in.
Thanks, Obama.
