LeBron James elected NBA players union VP

LeBron James. AP FILE PHOTO

NEW YORK, United States–Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has been elected the first vice president of the NBA Players Association.

James will serve under union president Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers point guard who has been lobbying for the four-time MVP to take a leadership position on the executive committee.

A vote was held during Friday’s union meeting in New York coinciding with the NBA’s All-Star weekend.

James is as popular among his peers as he is with fans — he was elected unanimously.

James has never held a formal position with the union but he has been involved in previous contract negotiations, even sitting in on meetings with the league during the 2011 lockout.

The current collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the NBAPA doesn’t expire until after the 2020-21 season.

But both sides have the opportunity to opt out in the summer of 2017.