LeBron James may run to become president of the National Basketball players’ association, according to FOXSports.com citing a source.
“It’s something he has talked about with a small group of people,” one source said Wednesday. “He was very vocal at the meeting during the All-Star Weekend about the need for the union to dramatically change. There is a new executive director coming in and new commissioner. He recognizes that this is the time for the union to change.”
Derek Fisher, the current NBPA president, saw his term come to an end this summer. A replacement could be elected as early as this month at the association’s annual Las Vegas meeting.
Unfortunately, president is not the only area in which the NBPA is lacking. Executive Director Billy Hunter was let go this year and the association has yet to hire a replacement.
Fisher will probably forego a return to his post since he is likely at the end of his career and he is facing a lawsuit from Hunter.
Jerry Stackhouse, the NBPA’s first vice president and an 18-year NBA veteran, has taken a leadership role for the time being.
At this point in his career, the Miami Heat superstar is involved in everything from charity work to reaching the NBA Finals on a regular basis. He would have to fit being president into his schedule.
The source warned that it is “unlikely” James will run for the vacant seat.
“LeBron doesn’t do anything halfway and he has serious concerns about whether he has the time he knows the job requires,” the source said. “The demands on LeBron’s time are already substantial. Whether it’s formally or informally, LeBron has strong opinions on the future of the union and will be very active in the rebuilding process.”
James could be a big help to the NBPA due to his star power. Within the last decade the union president has usually been a role player with guys like Fisher, Michael Curry and Antonio Davis at the helm. It is believed by some that the role player presidents don’t have the prestige to compete with the owners compared with what a star player brings to the table.
The last star to be president was New York Knicks great Patrick Ewing. Prior to Ewing there were a number of superstar presidents such as Oscar Robertson, Bob Lanier, Bob Cousy and Isaiah Thomas. Thomas carried out his duties while leading the Detroit Pistons to back to back NBA Championships in the 1980s.
The NBPA is not the only organization that will see some changes. The NBA front office will get a new leader in Februrary when Commisioner David Stern steps down and hands the reigns to current deputy commsioner Adam Silver.
