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LeBron James is not only one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, but he’s an outstanding human being off the court. That shouldn’t be up for debate after last week, when the Los Angeles Lakers superstar opened up the I PROMISE School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
The I PROMISE School is more than just a school. It’s a school that James created to help combat many of the issues facing not only our nation’s youth, but their parents as well. In addition to providing hundreds of at-risk students with a strong education, the school has free transportation, free meals, free bikes, a pantry for parents, GED and job placement for parents, and full tuition to the University of Akron for all graduates. It’s a game-changer.
.@BarackObama and I are so proud of @KingJames and @IPROMISESchool. Kids in Akron and across the US are lucky to have you as a role model on and off the court. Keep using your platform for good and giving our kids a chance to shoot for the stars. #ReachHigher #BetterMakeRoom pic.twitter.com/hyS6UM2A7b
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 31, 2018
After officially unveiling the school, James appeared on CNN to give a tour of the school to Don Lemon. During the segment, James spoke on the racism and divisiveness of president Donald Trump, saying, among other things, that “Sports has never been something that divides people. It’s always been something that brings someone together. He is dividing us and what I noticed over the last few months is that he’s kinda used sports to divide us and that’s something I can’t relate to, because I know that sports was the first time I was ever around someone white.”
To no one surprise, Trump fired back on his favorite platform, Twitter, to insult both James and Lemon.
Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018
The NBA community was quick to come to James’ defense. A huge number of players spoke out, including Steph Curry.
Keep doing you @KingJames! https://t.co/LOFVdQgyYr
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 4, 2018
James and Curry have, of course, been rivals on the court. But they’re incredibly supportive of each other, and have been for some time.
And really, how can you not be supportive of James after this spectacular act of charity and leadership?