LeBron James VP National Basketball Players Association - As the National Basketball Players Association prepares for the future collective bargaining talks with NBA owners over revenue, Lebron James has been unanimously elected as the union's first vice president.
The 30-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers forward was elected on Friday at a hotel near Times Square during the union's annual meeting as part of the All-Star weekend.
The four-time MVP reportedly accepted the role alongside Clippers All-Star guard Chris Paul, the president of the union, who has been urging him for months to take a high role in the union.
The union's executive director Michele Roberts eagerly announced the results if the election.
"We have a new vice president who was elected unanimously. His name is LeBron James," she said. "I can not tell you how delighted I am because it simply confirms that our union is supported by players all across the spectrum. LeBron's addition to our executive committee is evidence of that. This is a great day for our union."
After the 2016-2017 season players and owners have the option to cop out of the current CBA. And both sides seem to be gearing up for a high-profile struggle over revenue, which is expected to grow to around $7 billion two years from now.
"LeBron has been a force to be reckoned with among our players since the man has hit the court," Roberts said. "We have always wanted to have players of influence included in our executive committee. It gets your (media) attention. It gets all your attention."
Roberts also revealed that the players have rejected an offer from the league about incrementally raising the salary cap.
LeBron James definitely adds more clout to the union's bargaining stand. Last summer he opted for a one year contract with a player option so he would be free agent again in 2016, when he stands the chance of signing a more lucrative contract.
