LeBron ‘will definitely not shut up and dribble’

Driesell among 13 picked as finalists for basketball hall of fame

LOS ANGELES — says he will not stick to sports.

The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar reiterated his determination to speak out on social issues and the nation’s political climate Saturday during his media availability for the NBA All-Star Game.

“I will not just shut up and dribble,” James said. “I get to sit up here and talk about what’s really important.”

James spoke publicly afer Fox News host criticized the three-time NBA champion for his recent comments about social issues. James previously responded with an Instagram post containing similar sentiments.

“We will definitely not shut up and dribble,” James said. “I will definitely not do that. I mean too much to society. I mean too much to the youth. I mean too much to so many kids that feel like they don’t have a way out and they need someone to help lead them out of the situation they’re in.”

James made the initial public comments in question during a recent video segment on Uninterrupted, a platform co-founded by James. He was joined by and both superstars were sharply critical of President and the nation’s racial climate.

James referenced

and as athletes who previously spoke up for equality and change without concerns about the consequences or any rewards.

“We know it’s bigger than us,” James said. “It’s not about us. I’m going to continue to do what I have to do to play this game that I love to play, but this is bigger than me playing the game of basketball.” Hall of Frame finalists: Two-time NBA MVP and fellow star point guard and are among the 13 finalists for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. and also made the cut, with the finalists announced Saturday morning as part of the NBA All-Star weekend. Former Maryland coach and Baylor’s final ballot as coaches. and longtime NBA are also finalists. official made the Commissioner’s comments: NBA Commissioner believes the league’s players and referees are on their way to forging an improved relationship.

In his state-of-the-league news conference before the All-Star Saturday festivities at Staples Center, Silver said the NBA “should be playing a very active role in bridging that gap” between the players and referees, whose relationship appears to be growing increasingly tenuous this season.

Representatives from the players’ union and the National Basketball Referees Association met in Los Angeles on Saturday. They issued a joint statement describing the meeting as “incredibly productive in terms of opening up the lines of communication between both groups.”

Silver praised the groups for getting together on the league’s celebratory weekend.

“I was pleased to see they focused on themes of respect and empathy,” Silver said. “It’s a great statement about the league...”