LeBron James was elected the vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, putting him second in command to president Chris Paul, according to reports. Per Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, Paul pushed for James' election, and James accepted feeling that it was his responsibility to serve.
LeBron James elected NBPA vice president, per reports
LeBron James will take on a senior position in the players union, serving under NBPA president Chris Paul.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The election puts the NBA’s most recognizable player in a senior position. James will be serving during a time of transition for the league. The NBA has a new commissioner for the first time since 1984, and it signed an enormous new television deal last October that could make player salaries skyrocket.
James will also be a bigger voice for players in collective bargaining. The current CBA does not expire until after the 2020-21 season, but either side of the agreement may opt out after the 2016-17 season.
Though James has never held a formal position in the NBPA, he has been a vocal advocate for players in the past. As ESPN points out, James sat in on negotiations with the league during the 2011 lockout, and he has said that the max contract cap is unfair to players.
James replaces current free agent Roger Mason Jr. as the acting vice president of the NBPA.
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