When the report surfaced a couple of weeks ago that LeBron James was mulling a bid for the players union’s presidency, there was no doubting the sincerity of the game’s best player where union matters are concerned, or his passion to personally get involved and try to make a difference.
But as we said at the time, there was virtually no chance of it actually happening.
James is not only the game’s best player, he’s still in the prime of his carer. In addition to all of the physical demands involved in playing into June season after season, there are league-mandated commitments and personal endorsement requirements that have his calendar nearly completely booked on a year-round basis.
Heading up the union on the players’ side is no small task, and with all of this in mind, James has wisely decided to bypass seeking the position for now.
From Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today:
After days of careful consideration and research, Miami Heat star LeBron James decided he will not run for president or first vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, a person familiar with James’ decision told USA TODAY Sports.
Interested in union matters and the direction of the NBPA, James had considered both executive committee positions comprised of players but concluded he would not have enough time at this point in his career to give the positions the necessary attention they require. James called Heat teammate and NBPA secretary-treasurer James Jones on Monday and told him of his decision.
In addition to the need to vote for a president, the union must also name a new executive director to replace the ousted Billy Hunter. Whoever is named to these leadership positions will need to develop a rapport with the NBA’s new commissioner in Adam Silver, who will take over for the retiring David Stern in February of next year.
While this was a completely predictable turn of events, the fact that James will have a strong voice in union matters remains, and that’s good for the players during a time of so much uncertainty.
