LeBron James: How Much Will His Work Off Court Add to His Legacy?
LeBron James told the New York Times that he and a number of other top Black athletes and entertainers are creating a new group which will work to protect Black American voting rights. Of course this is not the first time James has used his platform in an effort to make positive change. Sports Illustrated host Robin Lundberg talked with SI's Ben Pickman and "The Fantasy Exec" Corey Parson about how James' work off the court will impact his overall legacy.
Read the full video transcript:
Robin Lundberg: LeBron James and other black athletes and entertainers are creating a new group which will work to protect black American voting rights, James told The New York Times. Now, this is just one of a long line of things LeBron has done away from the court. For more, I'm joined by our Ben Pickman and the fantasy exec Corey Parson. Guys, when it's all said and done, how much do you think LeBron has done off the court will impact his overall legacy? Corey, let's start with you.
Corey Parson: Well, listen, I think what LeBron has done off the court is his legacy. You look at how LeBron James grew up in Akron, Ohio, bounced it from house to house. He did become a superstar basketball player. But look how much pressure was put on him. Yes he's had some triumphs and tribulations on the court. But what he's done off the court time and time again, this young man with all this pressure put on him stepped up. Who would've thought this story of a young boy on the cover of Sports Illustrated would turn into the man he's become today for black America?
Robin Lundberg: Yeah. And Ben, I worked with his I Promise program a little bit or covered them at all star weekend. It goes through many layers. LeBron speaking up. And some of the actions he's taken.
Ben Pickman: Right. We've seen it countless times, especially in the last decade, from wearing hoods with the Trayvon Martin when he was still with the Miami Heat to his comments on Eric Garner and Michael Brown all throughout this uncertain last couple of months. We've seen LeBron feed meals to people in Akron. We've seen him be very outspoken and voice his opinions on what is going on now in the fight for racial injustice, fight against racial injustice, rather. I really think it is his legacy, as Corey mentioned. I mean, we've seen for so many people off the court, LeBron will be more impactful, probably with all these movements and with all his opinions than what he has actually done on the court. And I think that's something he is especially proud of as well.
Robin Lundberg: I think when you take it all into account, the fact that it even measures up to what he's accomplished on the basketball court is a testament to what LeBron James has done. Guys, appreciate your time, as always.
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