CLEVELAND – Cleveland star LeBron James said Tuesday the NBA Finals winner will not be visiting US President Donald Trump in the White House no matter whether his Cavaliers or the Golden State Warriors win the crown.
James spoke a day after Trump revoked an invitation to the NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles to visit the White House amid reports fewer than 10 players would take part in the traditional trip to celebrate a major US sports crown.
“It's typical of him,” James said. “I'm not suprised. Typical of him.
“I know no matter who wins this series, no one wants the invite anyway. It won't be Cleveland or Golden State going.”
Last September, Trump revoked an invitation to the Warriors after they beat Cleveland in last year's final following comments from Golden State star Stephen Curry saying he didn't want to attend.
James also supported NFL players who choose to kneel during the pre-game playing of the US national anthem.
“There are a lot of things we believe in as Americans we don't believe he's for,” James said. “As long as he's in office, (these) things are going to continue to happen.”
The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018
James said people should not forget the championship season the Eagles had because of the situation with Trump.
“Let's not have someone disinviting them from his house take away from that moment,” James said. “It's way bigger than getting invited to the White House, especially with him in there.”
James also shook his head at the Women's NBA champions not being invited last year.
“It's laughable at this point,” James said. “You laugh to stop from crying.”