The Los Angeles Lakers superstar also pointed out that
Ibrahimovic clearly didn't feel the same way about spotlighting social
injustices when the soccer great called out racism in his native Sweden just
three years ago.
The AC Milan striker and former LA Galaxy star criticized
James and other socially conscious athletes Thursday in an interview with
Discovery Plus. Ibrahimovic called it “a mistake” for James and other athletes
to get involved in political causes, saying they should "just do what you
do best, because it doesn’t look good.”
James responded forcefully to Ibrahimovic's stance after the
Lakers' 102-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
“I would never shut up about things that are wrong,” said
James, who had 28 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
“I preach about my people and I preach about equality,
social injustice, racism, systematic voter suppression, things that go on in
our community,” James added. “I know what’s going on still, because I have a
group of 300-plus kids at my school that's going through the same thing, and
they need a voice, and I’m their voice. I’ll use my platform to continue to
shed light on everything that’s going on around this country and around the
world. There’s no way I would ever just stick to sports, because I understand
how powerful this platform and my voice is.”
James funds the I Promise School in his native Akron, Ohio.
The third-leading scorer in NBA history also backs numerous initiatives
pursuing social justice, voting rights and other progressive causes.
James also made it clear he was aware of comments made in
2018 by Ibrahimovic, the Swedish-born son of a Bosnian father and a Croatian
mother.
“He’s the guy who said in Sweden, he was talking about the
same things, because his last name wasn’t a (traditional Swedish) last name, he
felt like there was some racism going on when he was out on the pitch,” James
said. “I speak from a very educated mind. I’m kind of the wrong guy to actually
go at, because I do my homework.”
Indeed, Ibrahimovic told Canal Plus that “undercover racism”
caused the Swedish media and public to treat him with less respect and
reverence: “This exists, I am 100% sure, because I am not Andersson or
Svensson. If I would be that, trust me, they would defend me even if I would
rob a bank.”
James and Ibrahimovic overlapped in Los Angeles for about 16
months from the summer of 2018 until November 2019, when Ibrahimovic went back
to Europe. While Zlatan was unable to carry the Galaxy to an MLS Cup title
despite playing exceptionally during two largely frustrating seasons, LeBron
already won the Lakers' 17th NBA title in his second season with the club.
They also share remarkable similarities as two astonishing
athletes who have remained among the world's best players deep into their 30s.
The 36-year-old James is still one of the best all-around players in modern
basketball, while the 39-year-old Ibrahimovic remains among Serie A's scoring
leaders with 14 goals in just 13 league games for Milan.
Dennis Schröder, the Lakers' German point guard, gave his
support to James and confirmed the obvious truth that Ibrahimovic's attitude is
decidedly not shared by many European athletes.
“Every athlete can use our platform and try to make change
in this world,” Schröder said. “Zlatan, he’s a little different. Unique player,
unique character.”-AP
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