LeBron James (AP/File Photo)
NEW YORK (AP) — Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has been elected first vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, giving the game’s top player a leadership role in the union.
James was elected unanimously on Friday during the union’s annual meeting as part of All-Star weekend. A person familiar with James’ election said Clippers All-Star guard Chris Paul, the union’s president, had urged the four-time MVP to take an active role within the union. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity before union executive director Michele Roberts announced the election, said James wanted to be deeply involved in future collective bargaining with the league.
James has been outspoken on several player-related issues already, but he’ll now have a formal seat at the bargaining table. Players or owners can opt out of the current CBA following the 2016-17 season. The sides appear to be headed toward a showdown over revenue, which will grow exponentially with a new television deal set to kick in after the 2015-16 season.
Roberts said the union rejected a proposal from the league about raising the salary cap incrementally.