LeBron James says he will not wear NBA-approved message on jersey

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James told reporters on a conference call on the first day of Lakers practice that he will keep his jersey normal, keeping his name on the back instead of going with one of the NBA-approved slogans that many players are replacing their last names with.

There was great speculation about what James would wear, but he broke that suspense on Saturday after saying that the move ‘didn’t resonate’ with him and what he is trying to accomplish.

LeBron 1/2: “I actually didn’t go with a name on the back of my jersey. It’s no disrespect to the list that was handed out to all the players. I commend anyone that decides to put something on the back of their jersey…

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) July 11, 2020

According to him, a reason he didn’t choose one of their approved slogans was because he was not included in the process of what could go on the jersey, while also saying that the move isn’t really something he was interested in.

LeBron 2/2: … "It’s just something that didn’t seriously resonate with my mission, with my goal. I would have loved to have a say so on what would have went on the back of my jersey. I had a couple things in mind but I wasn’t part of that process and that’s OK.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) July 11, 2020

James also made sure to commend other players who are choosing to wear statements, such as “Black Lives Matter,” on their jerseys.
“Equality” is the top choice among the league’s players, according to a report from ESPN’s Marc Spears.