LOS ANGELES – LeBron James responded to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s criticism of his political activism with a promise that he would never just keep quiet and dribble.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar also pointed out that Ibrahimovic apparently did not feel the same way about putting social injustice in the spotlight when big football 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 in an interview with Discovery Plus on Thursday. Ibrahimovic calls it a ‘mistake’ for James and other athletes to get involved in political affairs and says they ‘just have to do what you do best because it does not look good. ‘
James reacted strongly to Ibrahimovic’s position after the Lakers’ 102-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
“I will never keep quiet 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 oppression of voters, things that are going on in our community,” James added. ‘I know what’s going on, because I have a group of over 300 children at my school who are going through the same thing, and they need a voice, and I’m their voice. I will use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that is going on in this country and around the world. I can never just stick to sports because I understand how powerful this platform and my voice are. ”
James funds the I Promise School in his native Akron, Ohio. The third leading scorer in NBA history also supports numerous initiatives that promote social justice, suffrage and other progressive issues.
James also made it clear that he was aware of comments made in 2018 by Ibrahimovic, the Swedish-born son of a Bosnian father and a Croatian mother.
“He is the man who said in Sweden, he talked about the same things because his surname was not a (traditional Swedish) surname, he felt that there was racism going on when he was on the field,” Said James. ‘I speak from a very trained mind. I’m kind of the wrong guy to go with because I’m doing my homework. ‘
Indeed, Ibrahimovic told Canal Plus that ‘undercover racism’ has caused the Swedish media and the public to treat him with less respect and reverence: ‘It exists, I’m 100% sure, because I’m not Andersson or Svensson. If I were that, trust me, they would defend me, even if I robbed a bank. ‘
James and Ibrahimovic overlapped in Los Angeles for about 16 months from the summer of 2018 to November 2019, when Ibrahimovic returned to Europe. Although Zlatan was unable to carry the Galaxy to an MLS Cup title, despite playing exceptionally well during two largely frustrating seasons, LeBron already won his 17th NBA title in his second season with the club. of Lakers conquered.
They also share remarkable similarities as two astonishing athletes who remained among the world’s best players until well into their thirties. The 36-year-old James is still one of the best overall players in modern basketball, while the 39-year-old Ibrahimovic remains among the Serie A points leaders with 14 goals in just 13 league games for Milan.
Dennis Schröder, the German point guard for the Lakers, gave his support to James and confirmed the obvious truth that Ibrahimovic’s attitude is certainly not shared by many European athletes.
“Every athlete can use our platform and try to make a difference in this world,” Schröder said. “Zlatan, he’s a little different. Unique player, unique character. ”