The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
LeBron James’ jersey won’t include social justice message
LeBron James says his thoughts on social justice can’t be contained on the back of a basketball jersey.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar won’t wear one of the NBA-approved social justice messages on the back of his jersey when the NBA resumes competition later this month in the Orlando bubble.
“It was no disrespect to the list that was handed down to all the players,” James said. “I commend anyone that decides to put something on the back of their jersey. It’s just something that didn’t seriously resonate with my mission.”
As part of the NBA’s recognition of the nationwide invigoration of the social justice movement, players are allowed to choose from a long list of messages for their jerseys during the league’s restart. James is among just a few who declined to choose one, he said. “I would have loved to have a say-so on what would have went on the back of my jersey,” he said. “I had a couple of things in mind, but I wasn’t part of that process, which is OK . ... Everything that I do has a purpose, has a meaning. I don’t need to have something on the back of my jersey for people to understand my mission or know what I’m about.”
The 35-year-old has a long history of social involvement and advocacy. James speaks frequently of what he feels is a responsibility to campaign for social change from his powerful position in sports and pop culture. “This is the mission I’ve been on for a long time now,” he said. “It’s great that a lot of people’s ears are opening. A lot of people are understanding, a lot of people are recognizing. A lot of people still don’t get it, and a lot of people are still afraid to talk about the racism that goes on in America. ... But we have some ears, and we will continue to push the envelope and let everyone know that we are human as well. We don’t want to be just be used for our God-given abilities.”
Lakers center JaVale McGee said he’ll wear “Respect Us” on his jersey. “It’s a blessing to have this platform,” said McGee. “We have way more of a voice playing basketball . ... This is the biggest platform we can speak about social injustices. That’s the best time to talk about it.”
James said he didn’t consider not playing in the NBA’s restart, believing the league can be a positive force through its visibility. He expressed no concerns for his health inside the bubble. “I believe the NBA and (Commissioner) Adam Silver, they took all precautionary measure to make sure that we as a league are as safe as we can be,” James said. “In anything that you do, there can be things that can happen, so we will cross that line if it happens. But we’re doing everything to make sure everyone stays safe during this pandemic . ... I have no concerns.”
ROCKETS: Stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook did not travel with the team to Orlando and did not participate in the team’s first practice. Coach Mike D’Antoni didn’t provide a reason for their absence but said he expects them to join the team in Florida soon.