Cavaliers F LeBron James on Friday was elected First VP of the NBPA, "moving him into the union's second-most powerful leadership position" beneath NBPA President and Clippers G Chris Paul, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of YAHOO SPORTS. Sources said that Paul "had been pushing James to join him in a senior position on the NBPA's executive committee for several months." For years, there has "been a push on the players' side to get the league's most prominent players into senior leadership positions." James' elevation "is the most significant step yet in that process" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 2/13). The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Ben Cohen wrote the respect James and Paul command as basketball players "reflects the increasing power" of the players union since the last NBA lockout in '11, which was "widely seen as a win for the owners" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 2/14). James said of the next CBA negotiations, "It's going to be a very important negotiation and process and I think I'm a big part of the process. ... We'll have a game plan" (REUTERS, 2/14). NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts said she "could not have been happier" that James has joined the Exec Committee. Roberts: “Early on, I was told that LeBron was supportive of the union. I heard that from other players both on this team and otherwise. Then when I had a chance to meet him and we were doing our team meetings, he confirmed it himself. He was clearly enthusiastic during our meetings. When our meeting ended, he and I and other members of our senior management team spoke. He has a passion for the union, which was just a joy to see" (NBA TV, 2/14).
UNION NEEDS STAR POWER: Basketball HOFer Oscar Robertson said it was "wonderful" that James was elected to the Exec Committee and said, "The stars need to lead by example." Robertson, who was active in the union during his playing career, said, "There's so much to be done in the next few years. ... It's not a risk for LeBron because he's a star; there's nothing they can do to LeBron. You have to be successful and then you can put yourself in that position. Times have changed, there is nothing the owners can do. Years ago, owners didn't want players in (union leadership), they tried to trade you or get rid of you and get you out of the league. They'll deny that but it was true. ... LeBron can get instant access to the media and the fans" (ESPN.com, 2/14).
A CALMING PRESENCE: CBSSPORTS.com's Ken Berger cited a source as saying that the NBA's salary cap "could rise" from approximately $68M next season to $90M in '16-'17 -- "resulting in massive inflationary pressures on player spending and a cap-room imbalance favoring big-market teams." For example, with a $90M cap in '16-17, the Lakers would have nearly $85M to "spend on free agents." That said, the presence of the league's "most influential player atop the NBPA's leadership team spoke volumes about the union's resolve" (CBSSPORTS.com, 2/13). SI.com's Michael McCann wrote under the header, "How LeBron James' New Leadership Role Could Impact The NBA's Future." McCann listed five questions to consider (SI.com, 2/15).
