LeBron James endorses Hillary Clinton for president

NBA STAR LeBron James has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, praising her as “a champion for children and their futures”.

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers has thrown his support behind Hillary Clinton. Picture: Jason Miller

LEBRON James became the latest celebrity to endorse Hillary Clinton on Sunday, throwing his support behind the Democratic candidate because “she will build on the legacy of my good friend, President Barack Obama.”

In an op-ed published by Business Insider on Sunday night, the three-time NBA champion and four-time NBA most valuable player explained why he is voting for Clinton in November.

“If basketball has taught me anything, it’s that no one achieves greatness alone. And it takes everyone working together to create real change,” the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar wrote.

“I believe in what President Obama has done for our country and support her commitment to continuing that legacy.

“We must all stand together — no matter where we are from or the colour of our skin. And Hillary is running on the message of hope and unity that we need.”

Clinton will campaign in Ohio on Monday, including in Akron, which is James’ hometown. Many hoped the key endorsement could help her win the critical swing state.

The basketballer is an important backer in Ohio, where Republican candidate Donald Trump has maintained a small lead in most recent polls.

“Only one person running truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty,” James wrote. “And when I think about the kinds of policies and ideas the kids in my foundation need from our government, the choice is clear. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.”

Boarding a campaign plane on Monday in New York, Clinton told reporters she is “so excited” about his endorsement.

"Hillary is running on the message of hope and unity that we need." —@KingJames https://t.co/PcBChoxpf9

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 3, 2016

James isn’t one to shy away from politics. The US sportsman has spoken out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, endorsed President Obama in 2012 and was a key backer of Obamacare in 2014. He also famously wore an “I can’t breathe” shirt during warm-ups that year in response to the police killing of Eric Garner.

“Finally, we must address the violence, of every kind, the African-American community is experiencing in our streets and seeing on our TVs,” James wrote in the op-ed. “However, I am not a politician, I don’t know everything it will take finally to end the violence. But I do know we need a president who brings us together and keeps us unified.”

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she is “so excited” for the endorsement.

But Clinton isn’t the only candidate to earn high profile sports endorsements. Rival Donald Trump has earned a number of endorsements from athletes and coaches including boxer Mike Tyson, retired coach Bobby Knight, golfer John Daly and retired NFL player Terrell Owens.