In January of last year, former Vice President Kamala Harris paid LeBron James’ entertainment company, Springhill Entertainment, $50,000 for “campaign event production.” James and his business partner, Maverick Carter, founded the company, which they started in 2020. The duo has been close since high school, where they played basketball together at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. In addition to their entertainment company, James and Carter are also minority owners of the Boston Red Sox and English soccer club Liverpool. Other campaign event production payments were made to various recipients, including actress Jennifer Garner for $35,000, and the largest payment of $258,993 went to Production Management One, Inc.
LeBron James has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, and he publicly endorsed Kamala Harris before the 2020 election. James urged his followers to “vote Kamala Harris” the week before the election, emphasizing the importance of his family’s future in his decision. When Joe Biden chose Harris as his running mate, James voiced his support, calling the decision “well deserved” and expressing his appreciation for Biden. In 2016, James endorsed Hillary Clinton for president and campaigned for her in Ohio while still playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has a history of speaking out against Trump, famously referring to him as a “bum” after Trump rescinded a White House invitation to Stephen Curry.
In response to Trump’s comments about James, the NBA star has not shied away from criticizing the former president. Trump once claimed it “wasn’t easy” to make James “look smart,” and when Trump expressed disinterest in the NBA after players knelt during the national anthem, James responded by saying, “I really don’t think the basketball community are sad about losing his viewership.” Despite the controversy surrounding his political views, James has remained steadfast in his support of causes he believes in, continuing to use his platform to advocate for social justice and political change.
As one of the most influential athletes in the world, LeBron James’ endorsements and political activism have sparked conversations and debates both on and off the court. His support for Kamala Harris and vocal opposition to President Trump showcase his willingness to use his platform to advocate for causes and candidates he believes in. James’ longstanding partnership with Maverick Carter in their business ventures, including Springhill Entertainment, demonstrates his commitment to creating opportunities and making an impact beyond sports. Through his actions and words, James has solidified his position as a prominent figure in both the sports and political realms, with his endorsements and campaigns continuing to shape the dialogue on important issues in society.
In summary, LeBron James’ endorsement of Kamala Harris before the 2020 election was reflected in a $50,000 payment from Harris’ campaign to his entertainment company, Springhill Entertainment. James’ partnership with longtime friend Maverick Carter extends beyond their business ventures to include ownership stakes in professional sports teams. His vocal criticism of President Trump and support for political candidates like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden highlight his commitment to social and political activism. James has not shied away from using his platform to advocate for causes he believes in, even in the face of controversy. His status as one of the most influential athletes in the world has solidified his position as a prominent figure in both sports and politics, with his endorsements and campaigns continuing to shape the dialogue on important issues in society.