Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has been elected first vice president of the National Baskeball Players' Association.
According to Yahoo Sports, James was unanimously elected the position during the union's annual meeting as part of All-Star weekend. Los Angeles Clippers guard and union president Chris Paul reportedly encouraged James to pursue a role with the union. Union director Michele Roberts said James' status as star player will aid the union in gaining notice.
"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 all of your attention."
The New York Post reports that one of the first issues James will deal with as first vice president will be the potential rise in salary cap. The union rejected a proposal by the NBA to incorporate a new television contract which without compromise would create a salary cap of $90 million for the 2016-17. The league would not like a $20 million increase in one year and negotiations are ongoing.
James and Paul will be participating in the NBA All-Star game on Feb. 15.
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