NBA icon LeBron James has publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president in the upcoming election, a move he says is motivated by his commitment to family values, women’s rights, and a vision for a better future for his children. The Los Angeles Lakers star, 39, first shared his endorsement on social media, where he posted a powerful video juxtaposing civil rights footage with controversial soundbites from Donald Trump. The video, intended to underscore James’s choice, quickly drew criticism, with some fans accusing him of spreading “propaganda.”
In the locker room after leading the Lakers to a 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors, James elaborated on his decision. “Having a daughter, having a wife, mother—everything she [Harris] believes in when it comes to women’s rights and the future of my kids…I feel like that endorsement is only right,” he explained.
He acknowledged that he initially planned to announce his endorsement during a game in his hometown of Cleveland, but chose a quieter moment to ensure his message resonated without distractions. “Yesterday seemed like a good day, everything was kind of silent. And I wanted to make sure it was seen, heard, and heard with force,” he added.
A Heated Reaction to LeBron’s Endorsement Video
The endorsement video, which stitches together Trump’s statements with scenes of historical protests, has been polarizing. Fans took to the comments, with some arguing that the clips were misleading. One follower commented, “From your biggest fan, clipping together a bunch of unrelated sound bites…is sad propaganda.” Another added, “King, these were all taken out of context.” James, however, has not responded to the criticism, standing firm on his position.
James has long been a vocal supporter of Democratic candidates, previously campaigning for Barack Obama in 2008 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. His tension with Trump dates back to Trump’s first term, including the infamous “u bum” tweet directed at Trump when the president withdrew a White House invitation after Steph Curry publicly declined.
A Legacy of Political Advocacy
James’s support for Harris aligns with his record of using his platform to advocate for social justice and political engagement. From voting initiatives to calls for racial equality, he has consistently encouraged his followers to take action, especially within marginalized communities. “When I think about my kids and my family… the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!” James wrote to his 53 million followers on X and 159 million on Instagram.
As Harris and Trump head into the final stretch of the campaign, James’s endorsement brings yet another celebrity voice into the conversation. Will his influence sway undecided voters, or will the backlash overshadow his message?
Sources for this article include:
Statements from LeBron James’s social media, post-game interviews, and historical context on his political endorsements.