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‘LeBron James is not going to be what Muhammad Ali was’: Gregg Popovich praises Lakers star’s stances regarding social justice

Amulya Shekhar
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'LeBron James is not going to be what Muhammad Ali was’: Gregg Popovich praises Lakers star's stances regarding social justice

LeBron James received some heady praise from the iconic Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. The 71-year-old praised James for using his platform.

In the wake of the storming of Capitol Hill on Wednesday, the NBA has banded together in condemnation of the act. They’ve used this opportunity to lay bare the difference in treatment of protesters on racial lines. The likes of Doc Rivers, Draymond Green and Jaylen Brown, among others, made no bones of this on the fateful day.

LeBron had been silent for a day through all this, presumably giving his competitors a chance to get their message on board. But ahead of tonight’s game against Popovich and his players, James made a statement of his own. He arrived at Staples Center wearing a tshirt with a loud and clear message – “Do you understand now?”.

Also Read: “LeBron James opened the door and set the tone”: Skip Bayless praises Lakers superstar for using his platform, congratulates NBA for unity after Washington riots

Gregg Popovich praises LeBron James for promoting social justice causes

Pop called LeBron James an icon – describing the 4-time MVP’s use of his massive platform and influence:

“I think he’s going to be an iconic figure … I’m so proud of this guy and so pleased for him … to see his development as a human being, as a citizen, as someone who looks at the social issues of our time and is willing to speak out.”

“Basketball, sure, fine. But as a human being, as a citizen, as someone who looks at the social issues of our time, he doesn’t do it with hate. He just tells the truth and lays it out there. … He’s a very special person in that regard.”

Also Read: “He quit”: Rockets announcer Calvin Murphy takes a jab at James Harden during game against Indiana Pacers on hot mic, lands in hot water

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Amulya Shekhar

Amulya Shekhar

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Amulya Shekhar is a sports junkie who thrives on the thrills and frills of live sports action across basketball, football (the American variant works too), parkour, adventure sports. He believes sports connect us to our best selves, and he hopes to help people experience sports more holistically.

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