Popovich: Keep at it, LeBron

Spurs coach wants Cavaliers’ star to maintain activism.

San coach Gregg Popovich hopes LeBron James never stops speaking up. Long an admirer of Cleveland’s superstar, Popovich praised James for his activism for being a role model to “millions” of kids. Popovich also defended James’ right to speak after he was recently criticized by Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham, who said the NBA’s most high-profifile player should “shut up dribble” after he criticized President ald Trump. “Tome, when I heard about that, it was just an show of arrogance for a talking head to try tell someone else if they can speak, what they can speak about and when and where to do it,” Popovich said before the Spurs faced James Cav- aliers on Sunday. “It’s just ludicrous, but to not have a feel for who this guy is. “I mean, think about when he came into public view, how young was he? to this day he hasn’t missed a step, he hasn’t fallen offff the ledge and he’s been a brilliant example for millions of especially with lesser opportunity. ... They see in this guy somebody who has consistently exhibited excellence in the workplace gives them a voice and lets know that you can speak about anything.” James and Popovich have developed a strong bond during their years together, facing each other three times in the NBA Finals. Popovich also was an assistant coach when James played on the 2004 U.S. Olympic team. Popovich shrugged offff his links to James. “His career is way bigger than he and Pop,” Popovich said with a laugh. “There’s a great respect that goes both ways, for sure. I love the guy. But I guess we’ve both been around for a while competed a few times and we’ve each won and lost. But it’s never been an individual sort of thing. He’s always been a team guy and hopefully I’m the same way.” Following San Antonio’s 110-94 win over James said he appreciated Popovich’s words. He also intends remain vocal about his beliefs. “For me as an athlete and for me as a role model, I just try to do my part to help these kids and the youth understand how important their lives are they can become anything in this world,” James “No matter the negativity that maybe going on around them, there’s always a brighter side. For me, while I have this form, I will continue to do that continue to lend my voice and lend my spirit and lend my inspiration to these because I know exactly what they’re going through because I was of them at one point in time not too long ago. “Pop is defifinitely of my all-time favorite people that I’ve ever crossed paths with in my life.” Popovich he’s never been around a player James, who seem to show any signs of slowing down at 33. And while Popovich marvels at James’ physical gifts, he’s more impressed by how the time MVP carries himself offff the James has had a major impact in Ohio with his comm unit ye ff ff ff ff ff ff or ts. His has helped kids in the Akron area attend college tuition-free, which is why Popovich was so put offff by Ingraham’s remarks. It’s kind of like the Black Panther’ movie,” Popovich said. “How cool is that for kids to see that, to have that superhero? Well, LeBron’s been that for a time. For somebody to be totally numb to that and attack him in such a childish way really speaks more volumes about that individual than it does LeBron. He’s very special. “We should all be very proud that we have someone that who’s to speak about a variety of topics and you listen to them all.”