LeBron James, a holder of a lifetime deal with Nike that is reportedly worth $1 billion, is sharing his fortune to a Muhammad Ali exhibit at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History with a donation of $2.5 million.
It is not suprising for James to donate such amount as he considers Ali his inspiration and idol, stating in a story by USA Today that Ali had a big influence on him in terms of what he stood for, not just a boxer but also a social activist.
Together with business partner Maverick Carter, the three-time NBA champion is donating $2.5 million to the new exhibit "Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change." Joining James in the list of donors to the museum are NBA greats Michael Jordan, who donated $5 million, and Magic Johnson with wife Cookie, who gave at least $1 million.
"I think of him every day. Without his passion and goals and morals, I don't know if I'd be sitting here today talking to you about it."
James donating money is not unusual with his The Lebron James Family Foundation doing charity work. In August last year, 'The King,' in partnership with the University of Akron in his hometown, donated $41 million to send financially challenged kids to college for free.
In his "I Promise" program, an estimate of 1,110 kids would be receiving a four-year scholarship that would cover the tuition and the university's general fee of $9500 per year.
Last June 3, Ali, who is considered boxing's greatest, died from a septic shock. In between those days, James was playing in the NBA finals against defending champions Golden State Warriors. After Ali's death, James spoke dearly of him, calling the former heavyweight champ "the first icon" and "The Greatest of All Time," Sports Illustrated reported.
"We knew how great of a boxer he was, but I think that was only 20% of what made him as great as he was," James said.