LeBron James does not cling to the games, yet no one suggests.
During an interview with Discover + in Sweden this week, AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic said that it is a “mistake” that “does not look good” when James and other “famous” people join politics.
James responded to the football star’s comments following the Lakers’ win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
“I won’t shut up about things that are wrong,” James said. “I preach about my people, and I preach about equality. social injustice. Casteism. Systematic voter suppression. The things that go on in our community.
“Because I was a part of my community at one point and saw the things that were going on, and I know what’s still going on because I have a group of over 300 kids [charter] Schools that are going through the same thing, and need a voice.
“I am their voice, and I use my platform not only in my community, but to shed light on everything happening in this country and around the world. So, there is no way that I can ever play Stay away, because I understand how powerful this stage and my voice are. “
James is one of the most politically and socially active figures in sports – and the 36-year-old has drawn ire for his words in the past. In 2018, after James criticized then-President Donald Trump, Fox News host Laura Ingram asked him to discredit and demean her.
Over the past year, athletes like James have become more vocal about off-court issues in the wake of social protests around the country.
James and Ibrahimovic crossed to Los Angeles for 16 months between 2018 and 2019, when Ibrahimovic was with Galaxy and James the Lakers.
“He was the same guy who said that when he would return to Sweden … because his last name was not a fixed last name, he felt that some racism was going on while he was on the pitch,” James said. “I speak with a very educated mind, so I am like a wrong man, because I do my homework.”
James was referring to an interview in 2018, when Ibrahimovic stated that his Bosnian roots made him the subject of racism, particularly in the media, in his native Sweden.
“I’m not Anderson or Svensson,” Ibrahimovic told Canal +. “If I were so, trust me, they will defend me even if I rob a bank.” They will defend me, I tell you. “
On Friday, James praised Jaylen Brown of the Celtics and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Alvin Kamara for using their platforms to fight for social justice. He also recognized Renee Montgomery, a former WNBA player who became the owner of the Atlanta Dream franchise this week after the league.
“It makes me proud to be part of a generation where our voices are heard and people are speaking with an educated mindset,” James said. “But more importantly, when you speak from your heart, it also rings a loud bell.
“And we talked to a lot of people heartily that they didn’t believe they had one voice at a time, or now they’re coming into it and they see that they can have one voice and their voice Really matters. It makes me proud. “
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