How the next six months could define LeBron James’ career

As LeBron James gears up for the NBA’s return and his fourth title run, it’s his new “More Than a Vote” initiative that could define his illustrious career.

With the NBA finally scheduled to make its long-awaited return in late July, it should come as no surprise that most viewers will have their eyes fixed on LeBron James.

Gunning for his fourth NBA title, James has a chance to further solidify his status as one of the greatest players ever to grace the hardwood. Another Larry O’Brien trophy would also make LeBron the ‘de facto’ best player on three completely separate championship-winning teams—a previously unprecedented accomplishment within professional sports. With this accomplishment under his belt, James’ position on any credible NBA fan’s ‘Mount Rushmore’ would become utterly unassailable.

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In a strictly-basketball sense, this may be LeBron’s greatest opportunity to pad his already absurd resume. The Lakers are one of the league’s best teams, LeBron’s supporting cast is healthy and hungry, the new schedule will favor deeper and more experienced rosters, and James is seemingly in the middle of an unprecedented fourth prime. For the first time in a while, LeBron is in a perfect position to accomplish what so many foolishly believe he cannot.

LeBron James has an unprecedented opportunity for social impact

A boost in LeBron’s basketball resume, however, is arguably one of the least substantial things The King is actively striving to achieve. After all, what LeBron has taught us—and taught us more effectively than any other athlete of this generation, might I add—goes above and beyond what happens within the confines of a gymnasium.

Through his many instances of speaking out against heinous injustice, donating his resources to countless causes, and providing a chance at a better life for those within his own community, James has been the poster child for the “basketball does not define me” generation. Similar to the Russell’s and the Ali’s before him, LeBron James does not shy away from his role as a social justice advocate. He eloquently, frequently, and necessarily reminds us of one important thing: Life is bigger than basketball.

Now, with his new ‘More Than a Vote’ initiative, LeBron is doubling down on that very notion. A voting rights coalition, ‘More Than a Vote’—a reverberation of James’ ‘More Than an Athlete’ motto—is a non-profit program operated by James and many of his fellow, high-profile, black cohorts both within and outside of NBA circles.

A handful of notable partners includes Draymond Green, Jalen Rose, Stephen Jackson, Alvin Kamara, and Kevin Hart—all of whom have openly vocalized their discontent with the current state of affairs within America following the tragic and senseless murder of George Floyd.

Goals and mission

‘More Than a Vote’ will be geared toward predominantly African-American communities in hopes of energizing the oppressed to make their voices heard during the upcoming November election. The group will strive to limit voter suppression through dismantling the many suppression strategies used within lower-income communities throughout a handful of the United States’ major cities. Additionally, the coalition aims to educate their targeted demographic on those very suppression tactics that local governments implement to skew votes in whichever way they see fit.

Most importantly, however, James and his partners will provide in-depth tutorials on how to register, how to vote, and where to vote. For an averagely educated, middle-class citizen, this may not seem of much importance. Conversely, however, this practice could be a tremendous catalyst for change within communities with very little voting education and political representation.

In an interview with the New York Times, James stated the following of the group and its mission:

"“Because of everything that’s going on, people are finally starting to listen to us—we feel like we’re finally getting a foot in the door. How long is up to us. We don’t know. But we feel like we’re getting some ears and some attention, and this is the time for us to finally make a difference…"

Of the group’s goal, James continued:

"Yes, we want you to go out and vote, but we’re also going to give you the tutorial. We’re going to give you the background of how to vote and what they’re trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting…"

And in a heartfelt moment, LeBron ended the interview with an important perspective:

"Hate in America, especially for African Americans, is living every day. It is hidden most days. It is alive every single day. I think back to Emmett Till’s mom and the reason she had an open casket: She wanted to show the world what her son went through in terms of a hate crime in America. No matter how much money you have, how famous you are, how much people admire you, being black in America is tough.”"

As previously alluded to, James has played a significant role in contributing to oppressed communities throughout his professional career. This new initiative, however, is unequivocally LeBron’s most significant contribution within the political realm. With it, we could potentially see more voters at the polls than ever before. This year’s presidential election, as well as all elections that follow, could experience a necessary seismic shift.