This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has made it clear that he won't be wearing a social justice message on the back of his jersey when the NBA season resumes. The decision was announced on July 11, 2020, during a video conference call with reporters.
According to James, he didn't feel the need to have a message on his jersey for people to understand his mission or know what he's about. He explained that he had a couple of things in mind, but wasn't part of the process in choosing the message.
James' decision comes as the NBA allows players to sport a message on the back of their jerseys instead of their last name. The list of approved phrases includes Black Lives Matter, Say Their Names, I Can't Breathe, and Respect Us. Lakers center JaVale McGee has chosen 'Respect Us' for the back of his jersey.
James, a 16-time All-Star, has been averaging 25.7 points, 10.6 assists, and 7.9 rebounds this season. The Lakers hold a 5 1/2-game lead over the Clippers for the top seed in the Western Conference.
![Jan 1, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) guards Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Staples Center. \[Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports\]](https://cdn.kenyandigest.com/migrated/ext/584ed99660fbd4251783a44c9aca8dc813ddcd2c.jpg)
