LeBron James was asked to speak about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day on Monday. He told reporters not only what Dr. King means to him, but how the ideals he represented are critically important today.
LeBron James passionately explained what Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy means to him
“Today is a great day for people to realize America was built and how we have to stand united.”
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
LeBron began by crediting the NBA for ensuring Dr. King’s memory is honored properly, calling their response “unbelievable,” as way to honor a man who “stood for more than himself.” The Cavaliers’ star said that we often throw around the concept of someone risking their life, but Martin Luther King Jr. did precisely that when he “gave up his life for the betterment of all of us.”
LeBron then turned the conversation towards the current climate in America, saying that Dr. King’s legacy needs to be embraced and remembered now — at a time where the country is so divided.
“He had a vision and he took a bullet for all of us, literally. For us to stand here even though we’re trying to be divided right now by somebody, today is a great day for people to realize America was built and how we have to stand united.”
The NBA is continuing its tradition of honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a full slate of NBA games starting at 12:30 pm ET, and lasting through the night with the Cavaliers and Warriors facing off in the league’s marquee match up at 8 pm ET. Teams around the league will honor Dr. King, with the Memphis Grizzlies wearing their special “NBA City” jerseys, which are inspired by the “I Am A Man” protest slogans from 1968.
