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Apparently, when you’re already the King you decide you don’t want to be president after all. Despite assertions that LeBron James was mulling a bid to run for president of the NBA Players Association, he’s now reportedly decided against the move.
“I just think the union is going backwards, and it’s not in a good place right now,” James told ESPN.com at one point during his decision making process. “I think my voice could be huge in that situation.”
However, according to USA Today, James has decided to forgo both a run for president and vice president. The reason is pretty simple: he doesn’t think he’d have enough time right now to properly carry out the duties:
James discussed the role with several people and realized he didn’t want to commit to something he couldn’t focus on 100%, especially at such a critical time for the union, which needs to name a new executive director to replace Billy Hunter as well as vote for a president.
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Supporters of the bid thought James’ voice would add necessary star power to the union and give players more leverage in negotiations. Throughout much of its history the NBPA has been lead by star players like Isaiah Thomas and Patrick Ewing, but in recent years the role has fallen to role players.
Roger Mason Jr., a guard most recently with the New Orleans Hornets and current VP, has emerged as the likely favorite to take on the role now, but James has indicated to NBPA leadership that he would like to stay more abreast of the going ons of the union.
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